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There might be a little extra "click" off the ball when LaMarcus Aldridge shoots because his nails have become so long. He said he won't cut his finger nails as long as the Blazers are winning.

(The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES -- Sometimes,

. For the Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge, his particularly long nails tell a different story.

It means the Blazers are winning.

When the Blazers finished a five-game trip in Chicago last week, it was noted that Aldridge had let his finger nails grow out to noticeable lengths.

“Guess it’s because I’m healthy,’’ he quipped.

Nail length is a topic among many NBA players because in the course of a game, long nails can leave wounds. Wesley Matthews has a scar on the inside of his right forearm courtesy of Kobe Bryant's nails.

If it gets especially bad, players will ask opponents to cut their nails.

For Aldridge, he said this case of long nails was a combination of neglect and timing. Because the Blazers were on the road, he didn't bring his clippers, and he never seemed to have the time in the midst of practicing and rehabilitating to get his injured back ready to play.

He said he planned on cutting them when he got back to Portland. But then superstition weighed heavy. The Blazers hadn’t lost since they had grown out.

“My mom even said ‘What are you doing?’,’’ Aldridge said. “But I was like, ‘Three in a row. Nope.’’’

Now, after Tuesday’s 124-112 win over the Lakers, the Blazers have won four in a row. Phoenix is up next with a Friday game at the Moda Center. By then, Aldridge’s nails might be daggers.

“You can’t cut them now,’’ Aldridge marveled.

--Jason Quick