With the NBA Playoffs quickly approaching, the Western Conference race for the top eight is getting tight. Portland is sitting in third, but Houston and the LA Clippers are right on their tail and this
defeat could cost the Blazers a shot at hosting s first round series.
Veteran forward Pau Gasol has been criticized in recent days for talking to the media about team problems, but his play on Monday night showed the league he still has plenty of game. The Spaniard
scored a team high 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but his two blocked shots and tough defense in the paint helped the LA Lakers hold off a late rally from Portland.
Four of the five starters for the Trail Blazers
scored in double figures, led by forward LaMarcus Aldridge with 21 points and young point guard Damian Lillard with 20, but a slow start to the game had Portland trailing by 13 points, a lead that proved to big to overcome.
It's been a disappointing NBA season for Los Angeles, but a big win like this could be a confidence builder. Despite no hope of making the playoffs, this team needs some momentum heading into the summer and hopefully Kobe Bryant can lead this team back into contention next season.
