The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a strong start to the second half of the NBA regular season on Tuesday night as they just dominated the Atlanta Hawks from start to finish with a solid team effort. With the 24-point win over the Hawks (104-80) and their confidence seemingly back to form, the Lakers headed to the Rose Garden to take on the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers had some things going for them heading into this matchup as they always give Lakers problems on their home floor at the Rose Garden. Along with being amongst the best teams in the league against the Lakers when playing at home, the Blazers also had their star guard Brandon Roy back in the lineup for the first time since Dec. 15. Even though Roy was finally able to get back on the floor on Wednesday night, the three-time All-Star finished with just five points and one rebound in 16 minutes off the bench.
Despite Roy being ineffective in this return to the floor, All-Star snub LaMarcus Aldridge was giving the Lakers problems all night long as he led the way for Portland with a team-high 29 points (12 of 18 shooting), 14 rebounds and four steals. It seems that the young forward is still holding a grudge for not being selected by Spurs head coach Greg Popovich for the All-Star game last weekend and wants to prove to the rest of the league that he is amongst the elite at his position.
There is no question that Aldridge proved his point on Wednesday night with another impressive performance, but it wasn't enough to hold of Kobe Bryant and the two-time defending NBA champions. The Lakers may have been trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter, but after some clutch shots from the Black Mamba the Lakers were right back in the mix and forced overtime.
In overtime, Ron Artest and Lamar Odom hit some big 3-pointers which ultimately led the Kobe Bryant putting the nail in the coffin with his patent jumper. The Lakers went on to beat the Blazer in OT, 106-101.
Along with Kobe leading the way with a game-high 37 points, nine rebounds, three steals and some huge shots down the stretch, Ron Artest had arguably his best game of the season hitting five of six from deep and finishing with 24 points. Pau Gasol also chipped in with some solid numbers as the Spaniard ripped down 14 boards, dished out five assists and scored 18 points.
The Portland Trail Blazers might not be the San Antonio Spurs or the Dallas Mavericks, but this win in a place that the Los Angeles Lakers really struggle (Rose Garden) is a great sign that the defending champs might be starting to turn it around. Hopefully the Lakeshow can take this momentum back to the Staples Center on Friday where they are set to take on Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers for the third time this season.
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