Shootaround Report: Gasol Returns, Kaman Starts Against Blazers

After the Lakers dominant performance over the Suns last Sunday in a 115-99 win, the short-handed Lakers will be taking on the Portland Trail Blazers. The last time the Lakers faced off against the Trail Blazers, Kent Bazemore threw an alley-oop to Wesley Johnson for the go-ahead dunk with 6.9 seconds left to secure a 107-106 road win on March 3rd. The Lakers were able to stop Portland’s five-game winning streak with Pau Gasol, who led the way with 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

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The Trail Blazers are in playoff contention sitting in the fifth seed of the Western Conference with an overall record of 48-27. They’ve also won three straight games since LaMarcus Aldridge’s return from a back contusion. Meanwhile, the Lakers will try to seek their fourth consecutive home victory at the Staples Center.

Coach Mike D’Antoni has decided to play Chris Kaman along with Pau Gasol in the starting lineup for tonight’s game. Pau Gasol, who’s coming back from his vertigo, has been hoping to play with Chris Kaman more when he eventually returns to the floor. The recent change to the lineup was mainly due to Kaman playing his best basketball as a Laker. Hopefully the Gasol and Kaman duo can bring the Lakers to their 26th victory of the regular season.

For a preview of tonight’s game, click here

For more on the changes to the starting lineup, click here

For more on Steve Nash’s future with the Lakers, click here
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Lakers Vs. Suns: D’Antoni Praises Chris Kaman, But Still Unsure Of Role