Trail Blazers End Season With Victory, Face Lottery Uncertainty

The Portland Trail Blazers concluded their season with a 109-81 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were missing key players as they prepared for the playoffs. This win brought the Blazers' record to 36-46, tying them with the Phoenix Suns for the ninth-worst record in the league, which means they will face a coin flip to determine their draft lottery odds. The Blazers have had a challenging history with lottery luck, and winning this final game could complicate their chances for a higher draft pick. Additionally, they announced that coach Chauncey Billups has agreed to a multi-year contract extension. Despite the win, the Blazers missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing their need for improvement moving forward. The Lakers will next face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs.