LAKERS vs BLAZERS (PRE-GAME REPORT)

Before I start, I'd like to apologize for not having a proper "pre-game" and "post-game" in a long while. I was deprived from Internet use(haha). But anyways, back to business..

Here we go again. The Lakers start a 3 game road trip with Portland, and finish with Houston and San Antonio. Though winning the first two games against the Blazers this season, the Lakers come in and look to break their 6 game losing streak at the Rose Garden, with their last win on Portland territory dating back to February of 2005. And after losing the last two road games in Phoenix and Denver, expect Kobe and friends to end both streaks tonight.

The last meeting, the Lakers took the win against a Roy-less Blazers. Since then both teams took a blow in the Center position, with the Lakers losing Bynum and Blazers losing Oden(momentarily). But regardless of losing starting Centers, both are deep and talented enough to win any game against any team.

With Oden out, Przybilla is back to starting and for some reason always seems to do well against the Lakers. If Roy is Roy, look for him to put up big numbers(unless of course, Kobe decides to play some D tonight). Blazers has numerous fire-power with Blake, Batum(one to look out for), and the dudes that lead the bench, Outlaw and Fernandez. But the Lakers' biggest problem is still LeMarcus Aldridge. That man is quick enough to beat most power forwards off the dribble, but can also shoot from long range if given enough space.

The Lakers took two confidence booster wins after two horrible back-to-back losses. And while "Congo Cash" has been putting up career highs, Lamar has been on a huge scoring slump(or in a slump overall). Shooting a combined 4-15 in the past 3 games while playing huge minutes(not too efficient if you ask me). But I'm confident he'll come out of it. Kobe has been Kobe and Pau has been Pau, the rest of the team just needs to keep up with them. If they do then they'll be fine. I expect a win tonight. May not be easy, but I do believe the Lakers can break the curse in this game.