Kobe, Lakers visit Portland

On Monday, Kobe Bryant poured in 45 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, as Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 96-90, at the Staples Center. Lamar Odom notched a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who had dropped five in a row prior to their run.

Bryant scored 45 or more points for the fourth consecutive game, a feat that had not been accomplished since Wilt Chamberlain from November 15-22, 1964.

It was the 50th time in his career that Bryant went for at least 40 and the 10th time this season. The Lakers are 7-3 this year when Bryant reaches at least 40 points.

Los Angeles, which will welcome LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Staples Center on Thursday, is 10-8 away from home this season.

Portland, meanwhile, has not been as fortunate of late and has dropped six in a row after Sunday’s 118-89 home setback to the Miami Heat. Ruben Patterson had 16 points and Zach Randolph chipped in 14 for the Trail Blazers, who have lost eight of their last 11 games.

The six-game slide is the second this the season for the Blazers, who last loss seven in a row from March 28-April 8 of last year.

Portland, which will be playing the second installment of a season-long eight- game homestand, is 6-10 in its building this season.

The Trail Blazers dropped two of three to the Lakers last season, but could hold the advantage tonight, as the home team in this series has won 13 of the last 16 meetings. The Lakers have also lost 14 of their last 18 in Portland.