The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2009-2010 NBA season with two important things: their championship rings from last season and a win.
The Los Angeles Clippers provided little fight as the Lakers beat them 99-92 at the Staples Center. This cross-town match-up featured a fast start by Lakers, scoring 32 points in the first quarter and forcing the Clippers to 9 turnovers. But like bully toying with little kid, the Lakers let their opponents inch closer in the third quarter only to smother them in the fourth.
Kobe Bryant led the way with 33 points but the focus was on new Laker Ron Artest.Artest had a decent line (10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) but shot poorly at 30%. His game reminds me of a stronger, more aggressive version of Rick Fox as Ron-Ron hounded the Clippers front and back-courts well. His elaborate hairdo also reminds me of another former Laker-- Dennis Rodman.
The Lakers looked really sharp even with Pau Gasol out with an injury. Andrew Bynum (26 points, 13 rebounds) and Lamar Odom (16 points, 13 rebounds) stepped up big time. Take away DJ Mbenga's jump shots and the team's dismal third quarter, the Lakers proved their championship mettle.
Ah, it feels good to be a Laker fan this season opener. :D
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