Trail Blazers Hosted London Lions in Preseason Match
The Portland Trail Blazers welcomed the London Lions for a preseason exhibition game held at the Moda Center.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Basketball
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The Portland Trail Blazers played the London Lions, the defending Super League Basketball champions, at the Moda Center in Portland. The exhibition matchup featured the Lions, who entered the contest with an undefeated 5-0 record in the 2026 season.
Why it matters
This exhibition provided a unique international test for the Trail Blazers and offered fans a chance to see the visiting British champions in a rare domestic appearance. The event also highlighted the growth of Super League Basketball, which was established in 2024 and includes 10 teams across England and Scotland.
London Lions forward Maxwell Lewis, the No. 40 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, entered the game as the only former NBA player on the visiting roster. He previously recorded a 5.3 points per game average during stints with the Lakers and Nets.
The players
Portland Trail Blazers
This professional basketball team competes in the Western Conference of the NBA and plays its home games at the Moda Center in Portland.
London Lions
Based in England, this professional club is the defending champion of the 10-team Super League Basketball.
Maxwell Lewis
Drafted 40th overall in 2023, this forward previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets before joining the London Lions.
The details
The game was held at the Moda Center, with fans able to watch the action via NBA League Pass. The London Lions arrived with a perfect season start, while the Trail Blazers prepared to continue their preseason schedule immediately afterward.
Timeline
1977 was the year the London Lions basketball club was founded.
2024 marked the establishment of Super League Basketball.
January 1, 2025, was when Maxwell Lewis suffered a fractured tibia.
October 12, 2026, is the date of publication.
October 14, 2026, is the date the Trail Blazers play the Sacramento Kings.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition match allows the Trail Blazers to rotate their depth chart ahead of their upcoming regular season preparations. The game provides valuable court time for bench players while the team shifts focus to their next opponent, the Sacramento Kings.
Fans can monitor the performance of players at the bottom of the depth chart who are receiving minutes during this matinee. The rotation adjustments in this game provide a preview of the roster depth the Blazers will utilize against the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
The takeaway
International exhibition games provide professional teams with a platform to expand their global presence while evaluating roster depth. Fans looking to follow these matchups should utilize digital streaming platforms to monitor development for players on the fringes of the rotation.
What happens next
The Portland Trail Blazers are scheduled to play against the Sacramento Kings on October 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local professional play, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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