The star continued his phenomenal play and once again led Portland in points and assists, coming just two rebounds short of a back-to-back triple-double. In 38 minutes on the court, he shot 6-of-15 from the field (3-of-7 from three) and made 10 of 15 free throws. He also finished with a plus-minus rating of +11.

The opponent elevated their game in the final minutes, especially on defense. Avdija committed a critical offensive foul, and in the following possession, he was blocked in a questionable no-call situation with a four-point deficit. The Canadians improved to 7-15 and ended a two-game losing streak, as Tuesday's game marked the first of a five-game homestand for them.

Portland was close again but came away empty-handed, and Tiago Splitter's team continues to mature. Tuesday's game was the first of a five-game road trip, with the next opponent the Cleveland Cavaliers, already tonight at 2:00 AM. After that comes the red-hot Detroit Pistons.

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Avdija fell just one rebound shy of becoming the only Portland Trail Blazers player in franchise history to surpass 20 points and five rebounds in the season's opening four games.

Deandre Ayton, who shared the court with Avdija in Portland last season, "blamed" Deni for the Lakers' defeat. "Every shot he made he just kept rubbing it in," Ayton said.

NBA reporters expressed strong admiration for the Israeli's showing. "Deni Avdija is the best deal in the NBA. What an acquisition," Portland online persona ChadinPortland wrote. "Avdija is a completely legitimate All-Star," the Bowrld account, followed by tens of thousands, declared. CuffsTheLegend posted, "I'll say it again: Deni Avdija is the most underrated player in the National Basketball Association."

Reporter David Mackay suggested that one of Portland's key decisions involves starting the Israeli while bringing Jeremy Grant off the bench. "By moving Deni Avdija into the starting five this year and shifting Jeremy Grant to the bench, Portland has positioned two players competing for NBA awards. I'd be surprised if Deni doesn't receive votes for Most Improved Player, or if Jeremy doesn't capture Sixth Man of the Year," Mackay stated.

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