NBA: Los Angeles Lakers 103, Portland 96

LOS ANGELES, March 24 (UPI) -- Andrew Bynum had 28 points and nine rebounds Friday in pacing the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-96 victory over Portland.

The Lakers never trailed in the game and pulled away down the stretch after the Trail Blazers had been within a point with just under 5 minutes remaining.

Los Angeles won its second straight, reached 30 victories for the season, and built its Pacific Division lead over the Los Angeles Clippers to 3 1/2 games.

Ramon Sessions added 20 points and Kobe Bryant had 18, four of which came from the free throw line late in the contest to hold off the Trail Blazers.

Portland, which had to battle back from an 11-point deficit at the end of one period, was led by 29 points from LaMarcus Aldridge.