Lakers 96, Blazers 83 - Portland made their first 21 free throws so, um, they got that going for them.

Otherwise is was show time in Staples Center, with Kobe pouring in 30 along with 21 from Jordan Farmar (equaling a career high) and 15 from insta-hero Pau Gasol. The bearded big man added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Animal style.

Los Angeles has won nine in a row and is looking ridiculously good (not that Portland was much of a test). Their 40 wins are just two shy of last year's total, and there are 25 games left to play. They lead the impossibly treacherous West by one game.

If you haven't noticed, we've got a first class seat on the bandwagon.

Elsewhere - Tony La Russa proves that baseball managers actually can do something ... NFL owners may opt out of current labor agreement, meaning no salary cap ... Tennessee enjoyed their run at the top of the NCAA, until they had to play again ... Another Patriot busted for weed ... What else is going on in the NFL? Click here to find out.

Today's Action - Portland @ Clippers (7:30pm).

AP photo by Kevork Djansezian.