via blog.oregonlive.com

For the second game of a back to back, the Lakers will go up to Portland tonight to play the Blazers.  As many of you know we have not won up there since 1871, well actually the last time we won up there was February 23, 2005, almost FIVE years ago, back when we had Chucky Atkins, Caron Butler, and Jumaine Jones.  Out of all the buildings in the NBA, the Lakers have had the least amount of success in the Thorn Garden and have lost nine straight games since that win in 2005.  But if there was a time to break the circle of futility, it is tonight.  The latest news is that Brandon Roy will not be in the lineup and his spot will be filled in by Jerryd Bayless.  But regardless, it will still be a tough task.  Despite the Blazers heavily depleted lineup, they have compiled a 30-22 record.  Players such as Juwan Howard have risen to the occasion and gotten the job done. Also the Blazers like other teams really come out to play vs the Lakers and the fans as well take this game seriously.

Some keys to a Lakers win:

REBOUNDS.  Especially defensive rebounds. Despite the Blazers depleted backcourt, they out rebounded us 42 to 38 and beat us in the defensive rebound department 33-21the last time we played them.  No excuses.  Laker bigs should be dominating tonight, especially with the boards.

Better Ball movement: In yesterday's game, the ball movement looked very poor.  When Kobe sat down for rest, the Lakers, especially the bench mob settled for shots rather than going into the paint.  Tonight, Lakers need to go inside to the bigs more and let Kobe take a break. The Blazers cannot really matchup with our size. Drive it into the paint and hopefully we get some free throws.

Less fouls: The Blazers have the 3rd highest percentage in the league when it comes to freethrows made at about 78%.  We need to keep them off the line. 

A cross, Sam Bowie jersey, and some cloves of garlic...

home sweet home...