Lakers' bench is off to a strong start

Then again, the Lakers' bench was a big part of their success last season.

In the season opener for the Lakers on Tuesday night, their reserves demonstrated just how important they will be in helping L.A. to a 96-76 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night at Staples Center.

Lamar Odom, coming off the bench after initially being upset about that role when it was first presented to him, produced nine points on three-for-six shooting, and seven rebounds.

Jordan Farmar directed the attack, handing out six assists, collecting six rebounds and scoring nine points.

Trevor Ariza was a force, scoring 11 points on four-for-seven shooting.

Sasha Vujacic, still rounding into shape after playing in just one exhibition while he recovered from a left ankle injury, had five points on two-for-eight shooting; he made his only three-pointer.

"I think we feel -- and I think our coaching staff does too -- is that we're the difference every night," Farmar said. "If we come and bring energy and make some things happen and outplay their bench, it gives us a better chance to win."

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson talked about how his bench "held their own" against Portland's bench and its starters.

Indeed, it was the play of the bench that helped the Lakers increase their lead in the first quarter.

"Everybody knows how important substitutions are in every sport," said Odom, who played 29:04, the third-most minutes on the team. "When we go back-to-back, it's cool when these guys don't have to play 100 minutes. We help each other."

Ariza even made both of his three-pointers, something he spent the summer working on.

"My confidence is up. I'm shooting the ball well," Ariza said. "My teammates are giving me confidence. They keep throwing it to me and I'm going to keep shooting it."

Ariza had two blocked shots.

But his biggest highlight came when the 6-8 Ariza dunked over 7-1 Portland center Joel Pryzbilla.

"It rolled in," Ariza said, smiling. "But I'll take it."

The bench will be tested again Wednesday night when the Lakers play the Clippers at Staples Center.

The Lakers know they are deep and talented.

They know many of the reserves could start for other teams in the NBA.

But they like where they are.

"It's tough because we have so much talent," Farmar said. "It's a gift and a curse, but we love it. We all embrace everybody being successful."

Turner is a Times staff writer

broderick.turner@latimes.com