Portland Trail Blazers vs. L.A. Lakers: Postgame Grades and Analysis for L.A.

The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center Friday, and they were looking for revenge against the team that beat them by double digits on Halloween night. Entering the contest, both teams were playing their best basketball of the season, and it was L.A. that stole the show with a 104-87 victory. The early part of this game belonged to the Lakers, as they outscored Portland, 34-25, in the first period. The big difference was points in the paint, and with L.A. recognizing it had the advantage down low, Dwight Howard’s teammates looked his way from the opening possession. The second quarter began with Portland’s bench outplaying the Lakers’ second unit, and the Blazers narrowed the gap in what appeared to be a closely fought contest. But by the time the starters returned, momentum shifted back in L.A.’s direction. The second half p...