The Los Angeles Lakers are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at the Staples Center. While the Lakers seem to have finally found a nice groove, the Blazers have been in free fall for much of the season. Through the first half of play in Los Angeles, however, Portland is giving the Lakers a run for their money. At halftime, the Lakers lead, 53-48.

The Lakers jumped out to a huge lead after outscoring Portland in the first quarter, 30-19. Portland would not go away, however, fighting back into the game in the second quarter. The Blazers tied things up 48-48 within the last two minutes, but a three-pointer by Metta World Peace and a dunk by Andrew Bynum put the Lakers back up by five.

Bynum has 16 points and six rebounds through the first half of play.

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