Los Angeles, CA (My Sportsbook) - The Los Angeles Lakers expect to have center Shaquille O'Neal back in the lineup Friday when the host the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.

O'Neal has missed the last three games because of a sore left knee and right big toe, but said Thursday that he is ready to return to action. Los Angeles dropped the first game without O'Neal, but has won the last two thanks to the stellar play of Kobe Bryant.

Bryant reached the 40-point mark for a seventh consecutive game, as the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, 93-87. He had exactly 40 points on Wednesday night, and didn't reach the plateau until he made one free throw with 8.2 seconds remaining.

Bryant shot 15-of-29 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, and also had six rebounds. He is the first player to have at least 40 points in seven straight games since Michael Jordan had nine in a row during the 1986-87 season. Wilt Chamberlain holds the NBA record for consecutive games with at least 40 points (14).

It was also Bryant's 11th straight contest with 35 or more points, one more than Jordan had during the 1986-87 campaign. Only Chamberlain has 35 or more points in over 11 straight games and he holds that record at 33 contests (1961-62).

Derek Fisher added 16 points for the three-time defending NBA champions, who remained in a tie with Houston for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Lakers have won nine of their last 11 overall and six straight on the road.

LA is 17-10 at home this season and 18-14 against the Western Conference, with an 8-5 mark within the Pacific Division.

The Blazers won their third straight game on Wednesday by routing the Golden State Warriors at the Rose Garden, 125-98. The win wrapped up a 3-2 homestand for Portland.

Bonzi Wells scored 18 of his 29 points in the first quarter to lead Portland. Scottie Pippen added 16 points and Rasheed Wallace scored 13 for the Blazers, who outscored Golden State 44-21 in the opening quarter and never looked back.

Portland has won three straight on the road and is 18-10 away from home. The Blazers are 19-13 versus the West, including a 9-5 mark within the Pacific.

These teams have already met twice this season. The Blazers captured a 102-90 home win on October 30 before the Lakers posted a 98-95 overtime win in LA on November 3.

The home team has won the last seven meetings in this series. The Lakers have won nine of the past 16 encounters overall and four straight in LA.