Lakers @ Blazers Preview

The Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon… The Portland Trailblazers have been dominant at home against the Los Angeles Lakers, who have won only seven times since 1996. The Lakers (4-3) are only one game behind the Trailblazers (4-1) for the first seed in the Western Conference.

Kobe Bryant who has been criticized for shooting the ball “too much” finished with 37 points in the Lakers’ win against Houston Tuesday night. Andrew Bynum had another dominant game, finishing with 21 points and 28 rebounds. Bynum’s dominance so far this season may have surprised few, as many wanted him out of L.A. for Dwight Howard or even Chris Paul. If healthy, Bynum should continue this dominance as teams will look to double, even triple team Kobe Bryant when he drives the ball into the lane, creating open looks for Bynum.

The Lakers need to play one of their best defensive games today, as Portland is ranked 4 th in the league in points per game with 102. The Laker bigs especially need to play one of their best games, as Blazers power forward Lamarcus Aldridge, who is very underrated is capable of going 25 -10. Portland is also ranked 3 rd in rebounds which means that both Bynum and Gasol need to get tough and physical, and outrebound the Blazers frontcourt of Aldridge and Marcus Camby.

This may be one of the toughest games for the Lakers this season, as they play a very talented group whose core consists of Lamarcus Aldridge, Raymond Felton, and Gerald Wallace, not to mention an intelligent coach in Nate McMillan. The key to winning this game for the Lakers are their frontcourt and their defense. If the Lakers can contain the Blazers and force them to make turnovers, as well as grab boards the Lakers should be in for another close game at the Rose Garden.

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By: James J Shim
Pro Basketball Fans Staff Writer

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