NBA: Portland 106, Los Angeles Lakers 98

PORTLAND, Ore., April 11 (UPI) -- Travis Outlaw's two free throws with 18 seconds left Friday expanded Portland's lead to seven and the Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-98.

The Lakers went cold down the stretch, with Kobe Bryant missing two 3-pointers and turning the ball over as well in the final minute.

Portland won its 51st game of the season and stayed within a half game of San Antonio in the race for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

Brandon Roy scored 22 points to lead Portland and both Steve Blake and LaMarcus Aldridge had 16.

Los Angeles had a five-game winning streak snapped and fell 1 ½ games behind Cleveland for the best record in the NBA. Cleveland has three games remaining and the Lakers have just two.

Bryant scored 32 points, but made only 9-of-25 shots from the field.

Los Angeles played without Coach Phil Jackson on the bench. He remained in Los Angeles because of pain and swelling in his lower right leg, brought on by plantar fasciitis. Kurt Rambis took over the coaching duties Friday.