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
Next Page: Surviving with the 3
3.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
April 28, 2002-Western Conference First Round: Game 3
The Lakers were on a quest for their third straight NBA title, and they were a team on a mission. The Lakers were already up two games to none, and they headed to Portland to complete the sweep in front of a hostile crowd. The Lakers already a veteran team with two championships under their belt knew they had to put the Blazers away in Game 3, but Portland had other plans. The game would go down to the wire, and the Lakers would have to be rescued by a familiar hero. With about 10 seconds left in the game and down by two points, Kobe Bryant would receive the in-bounds pass and drive to the bucket. The defense collapsed on Bryant and he kicked the rock to the corner where Robert Horry was locked and loaded. Horry would hit the three in front of the Blazer’s bench, and give the Lakers a one point lead and the eventual win.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fe9KqCIJ5A&feature=related
2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
April 14, 2004
The Los Angeles Lakers had added Karl Malone and Gary Payton to an already impressive roster, but with the addition of two future Hall of Fame players an NBA title seemed all but inevitable. The Lakers were battling the Sacramento Kings for the Pacific Division title and higher seeding in the Western Conference. Facing a familiar enemy, the Lakers were trying to get to win to secure the number two seed in the west. Just like any other trip to the Rose Garden, the game would be a nail biter. At the end of regulation, down by three and with time expiring, Kobe would silence the Portland fans by hitting an amazing three pointer to send the game into overtime.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P47mXVAVdU&feature=related
That would be enough to merit this being an exciting match-up, but Kobe had more in store. In double overtime the Lakers were down by two points with a single second left on the clock. Gary Payton would hit Kobe in stride for a quick catch ad shoot behind the arc, and it hit nothing but the bottom of the net. Not only giving the Lakers the victory, but more importantly the Pacific Division title and the second seed in the playoffs.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apKWYzH68q8&feature=related
Next Page: Kobe…..to Shaq!
1.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
June 4, 2000-Western Conference Finals: Game 7
Making its second appearance in the countdown, the 2000 Western Conference Finals saved the best for last. Right out of the gate the Portland Trail Blazers came out firing on all cylinders and build a comfortable lead in front of a stunned Staples Center crowd. The Lakers would manufacture one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history. The Lakers erased a 15-point deficit and dominated the fourth quarter to finally take the lead. The Lakers would put the game in the refrigerator with an electrifying dunk by Shaquille O’Neal after a lob pass from Kobe Bryant. The Lakers would never look back, and the Game 7 victory would lead them to the NBA Finals to face the Indiana Pacers.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLyHKhpYLmU&feature=related