October 29th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in 
The Los Angeles Lakers played very close to what can be described as a “perfect” basketball game – a diversified offense and tenacious defense – as they easily disposed of the Portland Trail Blazers 96-76 at Staples Center on Tuesday. Los Angeles was in control from start to finish, although Portland had their moments early in the third quarter.
The Trail Blazers cut the Lakers’ lead to 49-41; however, Kobe Bryant made a 3-pointer, then a reverse layup then sank 4 consecutive free throws in building the Lakers’ lead back to 17 with the team having a 72-53 advantage going into the final period. From there, Los Angeles coasted to their first win of the season. One sour note occurred for Portland as center Greg Oden has to leave the game after 13 minutes when he suffered a foot injury; X-rays proved to be negative and the injury was diagnosed as a sprained foot.
Los Angeles was led by Bryant with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, but 5 turnovers; Pau Gasol added 15 along with 7 rebounds and an assist. Trevor Ariza, from off the bench, chipped in with 11 points, 2 rebounds and an assist. Portland was led by Travis Outlaw with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists while Rudy Fernandez, from off the bench, added 16 – including 3-of-5 from 3-point range – along with 2 rebounds and 4 assists; Brandon Roy chipped in with 14 along with 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Portland (0-1) plays again on Friday when they have their home season opener, hosting the San Antonio Spurs while Los Angeles (1-0) plays on Wednesday when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers.
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