Lakers 96 - Trailblazers 83

The Lakers extended their winning streak to 9 games tonight by beating the Portland Trailblazers 96-83. Portland came out on a surge though in the first quarter by going up by 15 points and ending the first quarter with an 27-17 lead. The Lakers came a little more alive in the second quarter but still trailed 51-44. In the third quarter Blazers coach Nate McMillian was ejected for arguing a call with about three minutes left, he must have sensed the Lakers really starting to come alive because they took a 67-65 lead heading into the fourth. Unfortunately for the Blazers the fourth quarter became Kobe time as he scored 11 of his game high 30 points. It wasn't only Bryant though as Farmar helped the Lakers in a 14-2 run in the fourth to give the Lakers some cushion room, he ended the game by tying his career high with 21 points.

The Lakers have a good chance at extending their winning streak to 10 games on Thursday against the lowly Miami Heat. Do I see threat to the 1971 - 1972 Lakers 33 game winning streak? Doubtful I know, will any one ever be able to do it? Someone better tell the Houston Rockets that as they won their 13th game in a row tonight.

Anyways, the Trailblazers actually won't make the playoffs this season unless they start getting their act together. All of this after starting the season with an 17-1 record. Lamarcus Aldridge led the Blazers in the game with 24 points.