Lakers 104 - Portland 91

Pau Gasol was back in action tonight for the Lakers at Staples Center as the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers 104-91. Pau looked good for his first game back since he sprain his ankle over nine games ago. He played 32 minutes, had 10 points, 6 assist and 7 rebounds. Swelling in his ankle was really noticeable after the game and he played way more minutes than coach Phil Jackson anticipated but Phil was well pleased with his performance. With one Laker key player back hopefully another one, Andrew Bynum will be back soon. This game was even at the half at 50 points a piece. The Lakers took their lead as the third quarter started as the Lakers took a 10 point lead. They held that lead to start the fourth quarter and then broke the game open in the fourth as they took a 86-68 lead. The Blazers got as close as 7 points but that's as close as they got.

Kobe Bryant scored 36 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and had 7 assist for the Lakers. Outlaw and Webster each had 23 points to lead Portland who will not make the playoffs but are making a personal goal to finish the season above .500, with this loss they are now 38-37.

The Lakers trail New Orleans by 1 1/2 games and San Antonio by 1 game in the West. The Lakers play Dallas Friday night and then go on the road for three games against Sacramento, Memphis and play the Clippers. The final three home games will be against New Orleans, San Antonio and Sacramento. So there are 7 games left in the season. If the Lakers can go 5-2 during this season ending streak they will have a good chance of winning the West.