Lakers Not Looking Up, for a Change : Pro basketball: They finally are back in first place in Pacific Division after a 119-105 victory over the Clippers. Portland loses again.

Your nine-time defending Pacific Division champion Lakers, once so far down they were getting their mail by gopher, moved back into the penthouse, replacing the Portland Trail Blazers, whose lease ran out suddenly.

The Lakers, 8 1/2 games back Jan. 9, overwhelmed the Clippers, 119-105, Tuesday night, taking a half-game lead over Portland, which tripped once more at Golden State.

“I’m not one to gloat or say, ‘I told you so,’ ” said Laker reserve Mychal Thompson, who had predicted the Lakers would overtake Portland in March.

“But I told you so. Now, no looking back.”

Never mess with prophets. Portland, a loser of eight of 11, has dropped 4 1/2 games to the Lakers in 24 days.

The Clippers, who ended a 29-game losing streak Sunday in games played at Portland, extended their winless string in the Forum to 27, dating to November of 1981.

Not in as good a mood, Clippers Olden Polynice and Gary Grant got into a shouting match after Tuesday’s game.

Grant denied anything had happened, but Polynice said, “I don’t take losing as easy as some people. When we don’t win, I get upset. I don’t like it when people come in here laughing.”

The Lakers are rooting for the Clippers to make a quick turnaround, because they will play host to the Trail Blazers tonight at the Sports Arena.

The Lakers, who will play tonight at Seattle, were able to rest most of the starters, only James Worthy (37) going more than 33 minutes.

But while the regulars played, they ran, as in days of yore.

“I had been worried about the way we were playing, even though we had won five games in a row,” Laker Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “We weren’t doing the things we need to win in the playoffs.

“A few games ago, we said the last 20 games, we really wanted to emphasize getting out and running. Then in the next game against Denver, we did that, but the execution wasn’t there and the decision-making wasn’t there.”

The Lakers led by 19 points after three quarters, dunking their way to a 59% shooting percentage.

The Clippers sailed into this game off Sunday’s shocker at Portland. If they enjoyed that one, there was no doubt which long streak they would prefer to end.

Perhaps their 26-gamer in the Forum?

“I think it adds a little,” said Charles Smith before the game, “mainly because we’re in the same town.”

The Forum was jumping Sunday while Laker aides watched the Clippers on television. Said Smith with a smile, “Let’s see if it jumps tonight.”

The Clippers opened impressively, taking a 12-8 lead. But Worthy made six of his first seven shots as the Lakers went on a 20-5 run and took a 32-21 lead after one quarter.

The Clippers pulled to 36-33, led by Grant, who made two long jumpers and an over-the-head tip of a Smith miss.

But Grant’s penchant for the key turnover continued. A sloppy pass turned into a Laker fast break that ended in a layup by Sam Perkins.

The Lakers closed the half with a 10-2 run and led, 51-40.

Laker Notes

James Worthy, 22 for 60 on the last three games of the last trip, has averaged 30 points on this three-game home stand. He shot 76% Tuesday, making 13 of 17 for 26 points, with seven assists. . . . Said Laker Coach Mike Dunleavy: “I thought James played the best game I’ve ever seen him play. He played a total all-around game. He passed the ball the best I’ve ever seen him.” Said Worthy, ever low-key: “Well, I enjoy what I do. It’s my job.” . . . Several Clippers confirmed the Olden Polynice-Gary Grant argument. Said Clipper assistant Alvin Gentry: “The guys are frustrated. To me, it’s nothing that doesn’t happen in every other locker room.”