Kobe Bryant scored eight points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of play, but the Lakers trail the Golden State Warriors 22-20 after one at Staples Center. It wasn't quite the frenzied pace we are used to with Golden State, which has slowed it down under new head coach Mark Jackson.
The Lakers have had a decided advantage down low, as Pau Gasol grabbed six rebounds and Andrew Bynum grabbed five boards in the opening quarter. The Lakers outrebounded Golden State 16-11 in the first 12 minutes.
To say that the Lakers have been struggling with three-point shooting would be an understatement. Coming into Friday, the Lakers have shot just 22.8% from beyond the arc, good for 28th in the NBA. The Lakers tied a franchise record on Thursday for most three-point shot attempts (11) without a make in their loss at Portland, and have made just 11 of 72 three-pointers in their last four games (15.3%). The Lakers were 0-for-3 in the first quarter from beyond the arc.
Both Ekpe Udoh and Klay Thompson led Golden State with five points off the bench in the first quarter.
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