The NBA resumed its rights on Tuesday and Nicolas Batum’s Clippers (3 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds) brought down the Lakers (116-109), reigning champions.
Two months after winning at the expense of Miami in the Orlando bubble their 17th coronation, the Lakers were obviously hoping for a better start. Especially on the sidelines of the ceremony of handing over their champions ring, this same Tuesday. Unfortunately for LeBron James (22 points, 7 of 17 on shots, 3 of 8 on three points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and his gang, it was without counting on the obviously very pronounced desire of their sworn enemies, rivals and nevertheless neighbors the Clippers to spoil the party of the other franchise of Los Angeles, beaten 116-109 at Staples Center.
Worn by an unrecognizable Paul George compared to his performances last season in the particular context of Disneyworld (33 points to 13 of 18 on shots, including 5 of 8 with three points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists), the new team of Nicolas Batum, author of 3 points (1 in 4 on shots, including 1 in 3 with three points), 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals for his debut under his new colors, all as a holder, took off from the start (39-19 at the end of the first quarter) and constantly raced ahead.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis (18 points to 8 of 15 shoots, 7 rebounds, 2 assists) and especially Dennis Schroder, very prominent, as well as Montrezl Harrell (17 points, 10 rebounds), for his first with the champions in title (double-double 14 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists), did try to put the Lakers afloat, but the new collar attack (in the third quarter) of Kawhi Leonard (26 points to 10 of 26 on shots, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals) and the Clippers definitely got the better of the outgoing winners.
Dennis Schroder (14 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST) & Montrezl Harrell (17 PTS, 10 REB) impress in their @Lakers beginnings. # KiaTipOff20
Christmas Day 12/25: Mavericks / Lakers at 8:00 pm/et on ABC & ESPN pic.twitter.com/hoJE2vtSwJ
– NBA (@NBA) December 23, 2020
Los Angeles Lakers – Los Angeles Clippers : 109-116
>>> Stats by Nicolas Batum (CLI): 28 minutes, 3 points (1 in 4 on shots, including 1 in 3 on three points), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 lost ball, 2 fouls
