The Los Angeles Lakers got off to one of their best starts in recent memory on Monday night, and held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 103-92 at Staples Center. The Lakers held an amazing 29-7 lead after one quarter, then scored the first eight points of the second quarter to widen their lead to 37-7.
Steve Blake hit his first five three-point shots of the night and finished with a season high 17 points, making 6-of-9 field goals on the night, including five for six from beyond the arc.
Andrew Bynum had 19 rebounds to go with his 14 points, and Pau Gasol chipped in with a double-double as well with 16 points and 12 boards. Kobe Bryant had with 28 points and four steals for the Lakers, who shot 45.8% on the night.
Portland clawed their way back and got to within 10 points in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers were able to close out their fourth straight win at Staples Center to improve their home record to 14-2 on the season.
Nicolas Batum led the Blazers with 18 points on the night, including a trio of three-pointers. Portland hit 12 of 23 treys on the night (52.2%). LaMarcus Aldridge also scored 18 points for Portland, and added eight rebounds, but hit just six of his 19 field goals.
The Lakers have Tuesday off before opening a brutal two-night road trip in Dallas and Oklahoma City.
For more Lakers news and information, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.