NBA Matchup: Lakers @ Blazers (NBA Picks)

Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers Weds. Feb. 23, 2011 10:30 p.m. EST

The two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers have had their fair share of struggles as of late and have had to field a lot of questions on whether or not they can still contend for a third straight NBA title, but they have a chance to start with a clean slate in the first half of the season as they will head to the Rose Garden to take on the Portland Trail Blazers.

Even though the Lakers have are almost always favored to come out on top in NBA picks, Kobe Bryant and company tend to struggle in Portland as the Rose Garden has been their Achilles heel over the past few years. Not only will the Lakers most likely struggle in Portland, but they are in desperate need of getting back on track and will need a win.

Fortunately, I believe the Lakers will get back on track with a dominant performance against the Blazers on Wednesday night. This should be a close game from start to finish, but in the end the defending champs should get the win.

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