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Unbeaten Lakers Host Blazers In Battle Of Division Leaders At Staples Center

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The Los Angeles Lakers look to move to 7-0 tonight as they host the Northwest-Division-leading Portland Trail Blazers tonight at Staples Center. The Lakers, who started 7-0 in their championship season two years ago, have been 7-0 four different times in franchise history:

Lakers Unbeaten Starts 7-0 Or Better
Year Record Season Result
1997-98 11-0 Lost Conference Finals
1987-88 8-0 Won NBA Championship
2001-02 7-0 Won NBA Championship
2008-09 7-0 Won NBA Championship

The Lakers have struggled against the Blazers in recent seasons, and have not won a season series from Portland since the 2004-2005 season. However, most of that damage has been done on the road. Last season, the Lakers lost the season series to the Blazers, 2-1, but also snapped a nine-game losing streak at the Rose Garden. At home, the Lakers have beaten the Blazers 14 of their last 17 battles at Staples Center.

Tonight is the second of back-to-back games for Portland, who beat Toronto at home, 97-84 last night. The Blazers are 5-2 this season, including 3-1 on the road. With the sudden retirement of center Fabricio Oberto on Thursday due to heart problems, the Blazers on Saturday signed Sean Marks, who played eight minutes in last night's game.

Tonight's 6:30 p.m. PDT game will be televised on Fox Sports West.

For more Lakers news, analysis, and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.