Lakers Vs. Blazers: Kobe Bryant And Co. Head North For Rivalry Game

The Portland Trail Blazers have looked better than expected thus far this season, but their schedule continues to increase in difficulty. After gritting out a victory over the Thunder earlier this week, the Blazers have to host Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the second game of TNT's Thursday night doubleheader.

The Lakers aren't off to the most prolific start this season as they've posted a middling 4-3 record, but Andrew Bynum seems to be finding a groove that makes Los Angeles especially dangerous. The unsuspended center post 21 points and 22 rebounds for the Lakers in a victory over the Rockets earlier this week.

Portland brings momentum into Thursday night's game after picking up a road win against the Thunder earlier in the week, but the frontcourt will need to play an important role if that momentum is going to continue through Thursday. LaMarcus Aldridge in particular will be counted on especially after scoring 30 points in the last outing for the Blazers.

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