NBA: LA Lakers 96, Portland 83

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The Los Angles Lakers, fueled by Kobe Bryant's 30 points, won their ninth straight game Tuesday, a 96-83 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Bryant also contributed nine rebounds and seven assists to the Lakers' cause.

Jordan Farmar tied his career-best with 21 points, while Paul Gasol added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Trail Blazers were led by LaMarcus Aldridge's 24 points. Portland played without leading scorer Brandon Roy, who has a sprained right ankle. Roy is also expected to miss the Blazers' game against the Clippers Wednesday.

Portland's effort was hampered by 36.1 percent shooting from the field but the Blazers still managed to pull within 72-71 on a Joel Przybilla' hook shot about two minutes into the fourth quarter. But Bryant and Farmar paired up to score four baskets for an 81-71 bulge with 5:54 left and the Lakers held on for the win.