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Bynum, Lakers look to continue solid play vs. young Blazers

Nov 8, 2006 - 4:00 PM LA Lakers (4-1) at Portland (2-2) 10:00 pm EST

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) -- Andrew Bynum had a career game in his last contest. The Portland Trail Blazers are looking for their young players to make a similar leap.

The Lakers will take on the Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back in Portland on Wednesday.

Bynum set career highs in points and rebounds and Kobe Bryant scored 17 points as the Los Angeles Lakers posted a 95-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 10th-overall pick in 2005 out of St. Joseph High School in New Jersey, who spurned Connecticut to turn pro, the 7-0 center collected 20 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

Luke Walton had 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Lakers, who shot 46 percent (35-of-71) from the floor and outrebounded the Timberwolves, 44-31.

Bryant, known for his penchant to dominate the ball, had one of his most efficient games in recent memory. Bryant shot 5-of-7 from the floor and 7-of-7 from the foul line in 35 minutes.

Rookie Brandon Roy, averaging 18.3 points per game entering Monday's game, played only 14 minutes and did not take the court in the second half in a 102-89 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 6-6 swingman had an MRI on his nagging heel injury and will miss the game against the Lakers on Wednesday.

The Blazers led, 22-20, after the first quarter, but the Clippers gradually pulled away with a solid performance over the final three periods.

Zach Randolph collected 35 points and 13 rebounds for Portland, which was outrebounded, 45-38.