LOS ANGELES -- Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard put on a commanding performance in Friday night's 127-119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 48 points, dishing out 11 assists and grabbing nine rebounds.
On a night when the Lakers honored Kobe Bryant in the organization's first game since the former guard's tragic death in a helicopter accident Sunday, it was Lillard who stole the show. The All-Star guard went 22-for-32 from the field and 7-for-11 from beyond the arc.
Lillard had recorded his first career triple-double in Wednesday's win over the Houston Rockets, scoring 36 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists.
Lillard: We played our hearts out for Kobe
In the wake of Kobe Bryant's death, along with all nine of the crash victims, Damian Lillard speaks on the challenges of competing on such an emotional night.
Over the past five games, Lillard is averaging 48.4 points, 9.8 assists and 8.2 rebounds.
What made Lillard's performance Friday night more impressive was that he did it without the help of forward Carmelo Anthony, who sat out because of personal reasons in the wake of Bryant's death.
The Lakers held several emotional tributes throughout the game and played Bryant highlights inside Staples Center throughout the night as fans repeatedly chanted "Kobe! Kobe!" Players and fans alike shed tears while remembering the late star.
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