In a classic battle of David versus Goliath, LA Lakers was holding the sling and Portland was wondering what hit them. Portland, the huge favorite coming into this game, was ambushed by Richardson and LA Lakers 104-91.

Allbritton was furious as he got to the locker room after the game and actually started throwing chairs at reporters who wanted comments. He did offer some poignant gestures and a few expletives which are not fit for printing. Coach Bob was sympathetic. "Allbritton is just passionate. He was the only one who showed up today. This is inexcusable."

Coach Andreas Helmle of LA Lakers was ecstatic. "Nobody has given us much respect at all this year. I've never stopped believing in this team, and you can see that they've never given up on us either. This is a huge win in the history of this program, and I hope we can build on it."

LA Lakers was led by Richardson (26 points, 21 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Dixson (12 points, 14 assists, 2 steals), Spears (10 points). Portland was led by Allbritton (23 points, 8 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Shealey (23 points, 8 boards, 1 assists), Harris (13 points, 0 assists, 2 blocks).

With the win, LA Lakers jump to 3-13 and 3-6 at home. They hold at #4 in the Pacific and hold at #14 overall in the Western Conference. Portland fall to 11-6. They drop to #2 in the Northwest and fall to #4 overall in the Western Conference.

box score LA Lakers* roster Portland roster