Lakers’ rally falls short in 114-108 loss to Trail Blazers

The Lakers came back from a 21-point deficit but couldn’t quite come back again after facing a 20-point deficit.

The Portland Trail Blazers barely fended off the Lakers, 114-108, Sunday at Staples Center.

The Lakers trailed by 21 in the first quarter, but caught Portland past the midpoint of the second quarter and took a brief lead.

Portland gradually extended from there and led by 20 going into the fourth quarter.

The Lakers rallied again, came within one point and couldn’t pass Portland this time.

The effort was there from Xavier Henry, who had a career-high 27 points, and Robert Sacre, who had career-highs in points (12) and rebounds (seven).

But LaMarcus Aldridge (27 points) and Damian Lillard (26 points, nine assists) were a little too much for the Lakers.

Lillard blocked Jodie Meeks’ three-point shot with 14 seconds left and made two free throws at the other end to provide the final margin.

Pau Gasol had a miserable game, scoring six points on 3-for-15 shooting and sitting on the bench the entire fourth quarter.

Trail Blazers 94, Lakers 74 (end of third quarter)

The Lakers continue to trail the Portland Trail Blazers through three quarters Sunday at Staples Center.

The Lakers cut a 21-point deficit to only three by halftime but gave way in the third quarter.

Pau Gasol is struggling badly, scoring six points on 3-for-15 shooting.

LaMarcus Aldridge, meanwhile, has 22 points on 10-for-17 shooting.

Damian Lillard has 18 points and seven assists for Portland, which is beating the Lakers in almost every phase.

The Trail Blazers have made 17 of 19 free-throw attempts (89.5%), the Lakers only 10 of 14 (71.4%).

Trail Blazers 53, Lakers 50 (halftime)

The Lakers trail the Portland Trail Blazers at halftime after making fairly good progress to battle back from a 17-point deficit in the first quarter.

The Lakers trailed, 21-4, at Staples Center but steadily came back thanks to Steve Blake (11 points, seven assists) and Xavier Henry (13 points). LaMarcus Aldridge has 18 points and seven rebounds for Portland, clearly outplaying Pau Gasol, who has two points and five rebounds.

Gasol made one of 10 shots in the first half. Aldridge was eight for 11. Damian Lillard has nine points but has made only two of 10 shots for Portland (13-3).

The Lakers (9-8) have won four of their last five games.

Trail Blazers 32, Lakers 24 (end of first quarter)

Pau Gasol made only one of eight shots and the Lakers trail the Portland Trail Blazers at the end of the first quarter Sunday at Staples Center.

The Lakers made only nine of 25 shots (36%) as a team.

Xavier Henry had a team-high nine points in the first quarter.

LaMarcus Aldridge has 12 points and five rebounds for Portland (13-3).

Lakers reserve guard Jordan Farmar left after sustaining a moderate left hamstring strain. He will not return to the game. He had one assist in 56 seconds of the first quarter.

The Lakers (9-8) have won four of their last five games.