NBA: Los Angeles Lakers 104, Portland 87

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The scoring of Kobe Bryant and the rebounding of Dwight Howard Friday launched the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominating 104-87 victory over Portland.

Los Angeles won for the sixth time in seven games, bouncing back from Wednesday's loss in Denver to move back to the .500 mark.

Bryant poured in 27 points while making half his 18 attempts from the field and Howard had 14 rebounds to go with his 21 points. Steve Nash contributed 10 assists and Pau Gasol had 15 points.

Los Angeles never trailed, building a 14-point halftime lead and taking a 22-point advantage into the final period.

LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 26 points. The Trail Blazers made only 3-of-19 attempts from 3-point range.

Portland had won six of its previous seven games.