The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at the Staples Center, and although this game is just a regular season match-up, these two teams have had their share of memorable battles with one another.
Overall, the Lakers have had the upper hand against the Blazers, but some games have been decided in the final seconds, and inspired some magnificent performances by the purple and gold. Before the Lakers try to add another win this season, we will take a look at some of the best match-ups between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers.
5.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
March 16, 2007
During this rebuilding period, the Los Angeles Lakers had to rely heavily on Kobe Bryant to try and squeeze out a victory. The supporting cast was not very impressive, but the Portland Trail Blazers were also having a down year. Coming into the game the Lakers had a seven-game losing skid, and Kobe Bryant was not going to let it get to eight. A younger Black Mamba would score 65 points to get the Lakers the win, but it would take overtime and some amazing shots by Bryant to make this a very memorable victory against the Blazers.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpWAyV-S7P0&fmt=6
4.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
May 26, 2000-Western Conference Finals: Game 3
The 2000 Western Conference Finals were the beginning of the Laker dynasty. This series alone merits its very own analysis and breakdown because this is one of the greatest series of all time. After the first two games at the Staples Center the series was tied at one a piece, but the Blazers had destroyed the Lakers in Game 2 and thus lost the home court advantage in the series. The home crowd was rocking, but the Lakers were determined to regain home court advantage. With less than a minute left and the game tied at 91, Kobe Bryant would drive the lane and as the defenders surrounded him he kicked the rock to a wide open Ron Harper for an easy jumper. There was still time for another possession, but Kobe Bryant would block an Arvydas Sabonis attempt to send the game into overtime.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLvVfHtpk1M
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