Cavs continue homestand vs. Lakers

Cleveland opened the homestand with Friday’s 99-84 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. LeBron James posted 27 points, nine rebounds and six steals to lead the Cavaliers

Drew Gooden scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Ronald Murray scored 16 points, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 15.

The fourth-seeded Cavs have won three straight at home and own a 23-10 record as the host this season.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles will conclude a three-game road trip in Cleveland.

The Lakers are 0-1 on the swing after suffering a 92-89 loss to the New Jersey Nets on Friday night.

Bryant had 24 points and 11 assists, while Lamar Odom totaled 18 points and 13 boards for the Lakers, who have lost three of their last four games. Smush Parker finished with 13 points and nine boards for LA.

Los Angeles is 3-3 in its last six road games and 16-20 away from the Staples Center this season.

The Lakers won the first meeting of the season with Cleveland on January 12 by a 99-98 score. Bryant scored 27 points and hit the winning jumper with 8.6 seconds remaining to lead the Lakers at the Staples Center.

LA has won 11 of the last 13 meetings with the Cavs and four of its last six trips to Cleveland.