The Portland Trail Blazers started a five-game trip Thursday night at the Los Angeles Lakers with coach Chauncey Billups eager to see his team improve defensively in the new year. The Blazers showed positive signs in that regard but the offense needed wasn’t there during a 114-106 loss at the Crypto.

Playing without Anthony Davis hasn’t been a scenario the Lakers have had to face many times over the last couple of years. But when Davis hasn’t been available, it’s usually led to poor results – a script the Lakers flipped for at least one game with their 114-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night,

The Portland Trail Blazers’ late comeback attempt came up short against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. With less than 10 minutes remaining, Portland cut a 15-point deficit to as little as three in the final minutes on the road,