SB Nation Los Angeles - 2011 NBA Preseason: Clippers Blow Out Lakers In Chris Paul's Los Angeles Debuthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2011-12-20T19:49:02-08:00http://losangeles.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24100062011-12-20T19:49:02-08:002011-12-20T19:49:02-08:00Clippers-Lakers Exhibition Game Draws Large TV Audience
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<p>Maybe the best way to drum up interest in your league is to have a lockout afterall! The NBA, fresh off the heels of a lockout and still reeling a bit from weeks of drama around the trade of <span>Chris Paul</span>, enjoyed some encouraging renewed interest as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> preseason exhibition drew some impressive numbers in viewership. </p>
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<p><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/briancmahoney"><img src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/1471976185/postgame_normal.jpg"></a><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/briancmahoney">@briancmahoney</a></strong><br>Brian Mahoney</span></span> As <a href="http://twitter.com/HowardBeckNYT">@HowardBeckNYT</a> predicted, Clippers-Lakers was most-watched preseason game on NBA TV. 509,000 viewers, tops 501K for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat's</a> Big 3 debut.<br><span class="embedly_timestamp"><a title="Wed Dec 21 00:44:35 +0000 2011" href="http://twitter.com/briancmahoney/status/149289124363382784">Dec 21</a> via web</span><span class="tweet-actions"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=149289124363382784" class="favorite-action" title="Favorite"><span><i></i><b>Favorite</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=149289124363382784" class="retweet-action" title="Retweet"><span><i></i><b>Retweet</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=149289124363382784" class="reply-action" title="Reply"><span><i></i><b>Reply</b></span></a></span></p>
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<p>The Clippers won the game 114-95 and featured superstars on both teams - <span>Kobe Bryant</span> with the Lakers, Chris Paul and <span>Blake Griffin</span> for the Clips. LA transplant Chris Paul stole the show in just 24 minutes, scoring 17 points, dishing out nine assists, grabbing seven rebounds, and gathering five steals. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/20/2651105/clippers-lakers-exhibition-game-draws-large-tv-audienceDanny Kelly2011-12-20T15:59:41-08:002011-12-20T15:59:41-08:00Kobe Bryant Injury: Sprained Right Wrist But Able To Practice
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<p>During the exhibition matchup between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a>, <span>Kobe Bryant</span> seemed to want to prove that he hadn't lost any of his original steps and went hard to the basket.</p>
<p><span>DeAndre Jordan</span> was ready to meet him at the top though. The result was very much painful for Bryant.</p>
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<p>Kobe did return to play, and in fact played for most of the game, but it was clear at points that he was still pretty banged up. There was some concern that Bryant might be hampered by the injury.</p>
<p>Of course, "concern" is a relative term. Bryant looks like he's ready to go.</p>
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<p><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/LakersReporter"><img src="http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/241821405/trudell300_normal.jpg"></a><b><a href="http://twitter.com/LakersReporter">@LakersReporter</a></b><br>Mike Trudell</span></span> Kobe Bryant has a sprained right wrist from his fall last night, but he did practice and is OK. Getting treatment after practice.<br><span class="embedly_timestamp"><a title="Tue Dec 20 22:58:02 +0000 2011" href="http://twitter.com/LakersReporter/status/149262311494909952">Dec 20</a> via <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/download/iphone" rel="nofollow">Twitter for iPhone</a></span><span class="tweet-actions"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=149262311494909952" class="favorite-action" title="Favorite"><span><i></i><b>Favorite</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=149262311494909952" class="retweet-action" title="Retweet"><span><i></i><b>Retweet</b></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=149262311494909952" class="reply-action" title="Reply"><span><i></i><b>Reply</b></span></a></span></p>
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<p><br>Kobe tends to be a man who can withstand brutal punishment, so it's no surprise that he's going right back at it. You have to figure that at some point the pain will catch up with him, but a simple wrist sprain isn't going to keep the Black Mamba down for too long.<br id="1324424831967"></p>
<p><i><b>To discuss Kobe and the Lakers, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com">head to Silver Screen and Roll</a>. </b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/20/2650612/kobe-bryant-injury-videoAvinash Kunnath2011-12-19T22:50:25-08:002011-12-19T22:50:25-08:00NBA Preseason, Lakers Vs. Clippers: Postgame Reaction From Mike Brown, Andrew Bynum
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<p>The talk in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> locker room after their 114-95 loss to the hands of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> was defense, or rather a lack thereof. The Clippers found their way to easy baskets seemingly at will - though a <span>Chris Paul</span>-led team will tend to do such things - and Lakers head coach <span>Mike Brown</span> wasn't happy about it.</p>
<p>"I thought there were too many times we allowed guys to have uncontested looks from the perimeter. If we rotate or give multiple effort the correct way and they knock down the shot, especially at this point in the season, I can live with it," Brown said after the game, as shown on the Fox Sports West broadcast. "What bothers me is when we had guys tonight not even contest shots. They looked at shooters and allowed them to shoot what I call 'horse shots.'"</p>
<p>In addition, the Lakers committed 21 turnovers, which led to 29 points for the Clippers. "We have to a better job with our principles," Brown said. "There were a few bright spots but not many."</p>
<p>One of the bright spots was center <span>Andrew Bynum</span>, who had 15 points and 12 rebounds in his 33 minutes. "I feel really good, my knees are fine. Right now it's just an issue of getting in a bit better shape so I can get up and down the court faster," Bynum said after the game. "I need to get my game legs so I can jump and be explosive when I catch the ball around the rim."</p>
<p>Brown called a timeout before a minute had elapsed in the third quarter after a wide-open three-point make by <span>Chauncey Billups</span>. Brown was unhappy with the defense on that play, and many other plays throughout the game. "If I had more timeouts, I would have used them all," Brown said.</p>
<p>The Lakers have two days to regroup before their rematch on Wednesday night, the preseason finale for both teams.</p>
<p><i><b>For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. For all things Clippers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/">Clips Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/19/2648284/nba-preseason-lakers-vs-clippers-postgame-reaction-mike-brown-andrew-bynumEric Stephen2011-12-19T22:46:01-08:002011-12-19T22:46:01-08:00NBA Preseason Basketball, Clippers Vs. Lakers: Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Chauncey Billups Comment On Clippers Victory
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> met at the Staples Center for a preseason exhibition on Monday night. There was a lot of interest in this game given the recent Clippers moves to acquire <span>Chris Paul</span>, <span>Chauncey Billups</span> and <span>Caron Butler</span>. For one night, at least, the Clippers lived up to the early hype surrounding them as they picked up the 114-95 win.</p>
<p>The Clippers were pragmatic following the game but still had a lot of positive things to say. Prime Ticket spoke with Chris Paul at courtside following the win and they asked him how he felt about picking up the victory.</p>
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<p>"It wasn't bad. We still have a lot of work to do.We've still got to get better on the defensive end, we've got to clean up a <i>lot</i> of things on the offensive end. But overall, I think our effort was great. That's one thing we promised our fans: every time we go out, we're going to compete. [Our players'] effort was amazing and it was a lot of fun."</p>
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<p>When asked what Paul can do, in a leadership role, to help his new teammates win:</p>
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<p>"Just sticking together. I've never won a championship, but I would love to. One thing that I've noticed from afar is that [those championship teams] always compete and they always play together."</p>
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<p>Fox Sports West caught up with Chauncey Billups and he offered the following insight on how he pairs up with CP3:</p>
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<p>"It is a very deadly combination, we really just play off one another. Sometimes he runs the point and makes plays, sometimes I'll take over and do the same. I think we're going to cause a lot of players a lot of problems."</p>
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<p>Prime also had a chance to meet up with homegrown superstar <span>Blake Griffin</span> in the locker room and ask him how he felt about the game:</p>
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<p>"I thought it went pretty well. We haven't had very many practices together, so the more we play, the more practices we get, the better things will feel."</p>
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<p>They asked him to compare last year's Clippers team to the current incarnation:</p>
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<p>"It's a world of difference. Those three guys alone bring so much experience that it's completely different. Not only that but DeAndre [Jordan], myself and everybody else is a year older as well. We like where we're at now, but we've got a lot of work to do."</p>
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<p>They also asked his opinion on having Paul, Billups and Butler around to look to for guidance:</p>
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<p>"Being able to learn from those guys and seeing the game through their eyes and having them tell me the little things that they've learned throughout their careers is huge for me. My main focus right now is to soak it all up and learn from them."</p>
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<p>As a parting shot, they asked Griffin to pick one specific thing that he feels the team needs to focus on after this performance.</p>
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<p>"As a team, I thought that we did a poor job on the boards. Other than that, just getting the flow down, learning the plays."</p>
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<p>It seems like the Clippers are overall pleased with their performance after a very limited time together and are enjoying the victory, but they all agree that they have a very long way to go. It's certainly a good sign that everyone seems to be on the same page with that approach.</p>
<p><i><b>For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. For all things Clippers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/">Clips Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/19/2648261/nba-preseason-basketball-clippers-vs-lakers-chris-paul-blake-griffin-chauncey-billupsBill Hanstock2011-12-19T22:23:36-08:002011-12-19T22:23:36-08:002011 NBA Preseason Schedule, Lakers Vs. Clippers: Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum Sharp In 114-95 Loss To Clippers
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<p>NBA preseason basketball is in the eye of the beholder. At least that's what the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> will tell you after Monday night's game at Staples Center. The Lakers were blown out by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> 114-95 in the exhibition opener for both teams.</p>
<p>While some might see a changing of the guard in Los Angeles, the Lakers would be wise to remind us that Monday was merely a preseason game, one that doesn't count for anything, except perhaps perception. There were some good and some bad points for the Lakers on Monday.</p>
<h3>The Good</h3>
<p><b><span>Kobe Bryant</span> looked good</b>. After offseason knee surgery, Bryant looked to have freedom of movement and was active, especially in the first half. Bryant scored 22 points on just 10 field goal attempts, though he did have seven turnovers.</p>
<p><b><span>Andrew Bynum</span> is ready to play</b>. Unfortunately for the Lakers' center, he will miss the first five games of the regular season thanks to his suspension stemming from his playoff hit on <span>J.J. Barea</span>. Bynum played 33 minutes, more than any other player in the game, and contributed 15 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks.</p>
<p><b>The three-point shooting was good</b>. The Lakers not named <span>Metta World Peace</span> (see below) made seven of their 11 three-point attempts. That could end up being a strength of the team this season.</p>
<h3>The Bad</h3>
<p><b>Metta World Peace has yet to make a shot</b>. The former Ron Artest scored just three points in his ... minutes, and missed all seven of his field goal attempts, including four from three-point range.</p>
<p><b>Free throw shooting was bad</b>. The Lakers made just 28 of 41 (68.3%) from the charity stripe, including just five of 11 from Bynum. The Lakers made just 13 of 21 free throws (61.9%) in the second half.</p>
<p><b>The defense</b>. The Clippers had free reign on offense, getting easy trips to the basket or wide open jumpers. Part of this was thanks to <span>Chris Paul</span>, but the Lakers didn't exacly put up much of a resistance.</p>
<p>Then again, that's what the preseason is for, to iron out the kinks. But with just six days left before the regular season opener, there might be a slight sense of urgency in Laker land.</p>
<p><i><b>For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. For all things Clippers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/">Clips Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/19/2648235/2011-nba-preseason-schedule-lakers-vs-clippers-kobe-bryant-andrew-bynum-lossEric Stephen2011-12-19T22:13:28-08:002011-12-19T22:13:28-08:00NBA Preseason Basketball, Clippers Vs. Lakers: Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups Lead 114-95 Blowout Win
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<p><span>Chris Paul</span> welcomed himself to Los Angeles on Monday night at Staples Center in his preseason debut with his new team. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> used a 30-9 run to close out the third quarter, turning a close game into a blowout, beating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> 114-95 in the first of two exhibition games between the two teams.</p>
<p>Paul scored 17 points, dished out nine assists, and had seven rebounds and five steals in his 24 minutes. Paul combined with fellow newcomer <span>Chauncey Billups</span> for a lethal backcourt combination that sank the Lakers. Billups scored 23 points in just 20 minutes, on just eight field goal attempts. Billups hit four of six shots from three-point range.</p>
<p>The Clippers ran circles around the Lakers in the third period, turning a 61-58 game into a 91-67 lead by the end of the quarter thanks in part to hitting six of their seven three-point attempts. Former Laker <span>Brian Cook</span> even got into the act with 12 points in 19 minutes off the bench.</p>
<p>The Clippers shot 48.8% as a team, compared to 44.8% for the Lakers.</p>
<p>Both teams play again at Staples Center Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., with the Clippers playing the role of home team in their second and final preseason encounter.</p>
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<p><i><b>For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. For all things Clippers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/">Clips Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/19/2648225/nba-preseason-basketball-clippers-vs-lakers-chris-paul-chauncey-billupsEric Stephen2011-12-19T20:53:30-08:002011-12-19T20:53:30-08:00NBA Preseason, Lakers Vs. Clippers Game Score: Kobe Bryant Scores 15, But Clippers Lead At Halftime 55-50
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<p>With only six days until their respective season openers and only a few practices under their belt, it would be understandable if the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> were a little rusty. But the two teams provided an entertaining first half in their exhibition opener on Monday night at Staples Center. The Clippers lead 55-50 at halftime.</p>
<p><span>Kobe Bryant</span> led all scorers with 15 points on just five field goal attempts. Bryant made nine of his 10 free throws and dished out two assists.</p>
<p>The Clippers have three All-Star point guards on their roster, and the trio had a nice first half. <span>Chris Paul</span>, <span>Chauncey Billups</span>, and <span>Mo Williams</span> combined for 25 points, on eight-of-15 shooting, and eight assists in the first half.</p>
<p>Speaking of point guard, <span>Darius Morris</span> got noticed in his 13 minutes in the opening half for the Lakers, making four of his six field goals, all jump shots. The rookie out of Michigan hit his only three-point attempt and had two rebounds and one assist as well.</p>
<p>For the Lakers, the player who looked the most ready to play - well, maybe in the non-Kobe division - was the one who will miss the first five games of the year. <span>Andrew Bynum</span> played more minutes than any player on either team, with 18, and grabbed eight rebounds to go along with his six points, block, and steal.</p>
<p><span>DeAndre Jordan</span>, who was third in the NBA in dunks last season behind <span>Dwight Howard</span> and <span>Blake Griffin</span>, had a pair of crowd-pleasing slams in the opening 24 minutes, including an alley-oop from Paul in the second quarter. Bynum broke up a second alley-oop attempt by Paul and Jordan by getting his hand on a lob pass from the point guard.</p>
<p>Griffin had a relatively quiet first half, but scored seven points in the final four minutes of the half to finish with 10 points and three rebounds. Griffin brought the house down with a breakaway dunk on a pass off the backboard from Billups. However, Griffin was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim.</p>
<p><i><b>For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. For all things Clippers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/">Clips Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/19/2648099/nba-preseason-lakers-vs-clippers-game-score-kobe-bryant-halftimeEric Stephen2011-12-19T20:09:44-08:002011-12-19T20:09:44-08:00NBA Preseason, Lakers Vs. Clippers Game Score: Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul Highlight 28-28 First Quarter
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<p><span>Kobe Bryant</span> had nine points and two assists in the opening quarter, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> are tied 28-28 after 12 minutes of play Monday night at the Staples Center in the NBA preseason opener for both teams. <span>Chris Paul</span> did not disappoint in his Clippers debut, scoring seven points and dishing out two assists. He made all three field goals, all at or near the rim as he had his way as usual with the Lakers' point guards.</p>
<p>Let the record show the first basket of the postseason came on a 23-foot jump shot by Bryant from the left wing 16 seconds into the game.</p>
<p><span>Steve Blake</span> started at point guard on Monday in place of <span>Derek Fisher</span>, who was given the night off by head coach <span>Mike Brown</span> as Fisher gets back into game shape. Blake hit both of his field goal attempts in the first quarter, including a three-pointer, but left after six minutes after favoring his right ankle. <span>Darius Morris</span>, the Lakers' second round draft pick out of Michigan, was the backup point guard in the opening quarter and hit a long jump shot of his own.</p>
<p><span>Josh McRoberts</span> made his mark early after his entry into the game. He took an alley-oop pass from Bryant and dunked it with 3:24 remaining, then on the next possession delivered a quick pass down low to <span>Pau Gasol</span> for the dunk.</p>
<p><span>Chauncey Billups</span> added seven points for the Clippers.</p>
<p><i><b>For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. For all things Clippers, be sure to read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/">Clips Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2011/12/19/2648034/nba-preseason-lakers-vs-clippers-game-score-kobe-bryant-chris-paulEric Stephen