Portland, OR (My Sportsbook) - The Portland Trail Blazers open their 2002-03 season by welcoming the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers to the Rose Garden Wednesday.

The Trail Blazers suffered their second straight first-round sweep at the hands of the Lakers last season. However, there is reason for optimism in the Rose City after the club finished last year's regular season with a 28-13 mark over the last 41 games.

After being shopped around the league, Damon Stoudamire returns to start for the Blazers at the point guard position. Antonio Daniels was acquired from the San Antonio Spurs and Jeff McInnis from the LA Clippers to add even more depth to a strong backcourt, which also features shooting guards Bonzi Wells and Derek Anderson.

After a year out of the NBA, Arvydas Sabonis was brought back into the fold to give the Blazers a legit center and allow Dale Davis to move to power forward. give the Blazers a legit center and allow Dale Davis to move to power forward.

Portland starting forward Scottie Pippen (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's game.

The Lakers dropped their season-opener on Tuesday to the San Antonio Spurs, 87-82, at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant had 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Lakers, but was just 9-of-29 from the floor. Stanislav Medvedenko had 11 points for Los Angeles, while Devean George added 10.

The Lakers were playing without two starters, as center Shaquille O'Neal and forward Rick Fox sat out. O'Neal is on the injured list after having toe surgery and is expected to miss at least the first five games of the season. Fox will miss Los Angeles' first six games while serving a suspension for a pre-season fight with Sacramento's Doug Christie.

The Lakers were dealt their first season-opening loss since 1991.

LA and Portland split four regular-season meetings last year, with each squad winning twice on its home court, before the Lakers swept the Blazers in the first round of the playoffs. Portland has won three straight at home in the regular season over the Lakers.

The Blazers finished the preseason with a 5-2 mark.