LAKERS NOTEBOOK: CAVS HAVE BEEN PAIN FOR KOBE.

Byline: Ross Siler Staff Writer

PORTLAND, Ore. - Forget the marquee matchup against LeBron James tonight at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant is simply due for some good karma facing the Cleveland Cavaliers.

``I just want to come out of the game healthy,'' Bryant said.

The past two seasons, Bryant has struggled to get out of the first quarter against James and the Cavaliers. He sprained his right shoulder in a game during James' rookie season, then severely sprained his right ankle coming down for a rebound last January.

Bryant sat out 14 games with the ankle sprain before returning to face the Cavaliers in Cleveland. He finished with 26 points, but shot 7 of 22 and couldn't even fasten the top flap on his sneakers because of the injury.

Much as Bryant came into Wednesday on a streak that has linked his name to the NBA's greats - scoring 45 points in four consecutive games, the first player to do so since Wilt Chamberlain - so will James tonight.

James is the first player since Oscar Robertson in the 1965-66 season to total 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists in seven consecutive games. Chamberlain is the only other player to do so.

``He's an impressive player,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of James. ``He can score, he can take over ballgames. There's no doubt about that.''

Because of the injuries, tonight's meeting could be considered the first showdown between Bryant and James. Bryant is the NBA's leading scorer at 34.1 points per game, James is third at 30.8 ppg.

``What his team requires him to do is different from what my team requires me to do,'' Bryant said. ``We're completely different players in that sense. But I think it's fun for fans watching the game, it's entertaining.''

--Turiaf update: Forward Ronny Turiaf met up with the Lakers in Portland for Wednesday's game and is expected to sign with the team as early as today, according to agent Bouna Ndiaye.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak watched in person as Turiaf finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in his final game with the CBA's Yakima (Wash.) Sun Kings on Tuesday.

Ndiaye said Kupchak had to talk with Jackson and owner Jerry Buss as a last step before signing Turiaf. The Lakers also have to make a roster move, either through a trade or by reaching a settlement and releasing an injured player, to sign Turiaf.

--Pump him up: Rookie center Andrew Bynum has taken advantage of his new weight room at home. Bynum said he has increased his bench press from 175 pounds to 225 pounds this season and spends much of his free time working out.

Strength coach Joe Carbone said the Lakers are encouraged because Bynum seems to have little trouble getting stronger and building muscle. Carbone would like Bynum to work on his leg strength as well, having to carry 275 pounds on his 7-foot frame.