The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers set a winning tone for their home opening games. The Lakers bested the contending Houston Rockets 120-114 before heading to a four-game road trip. The Clippers won their second game in a row, defeating the Utah Jazz 88-75.
Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson and Clippers guard Austin Rivers put on an offensive performance for their inaugural home games, putting up 25 and 19 points respectively. Clippers All-Star DeAndre Jordan made 16 rebounds, new Lakers center Timofey Mozgov earned 8 rebounds.
One team is rebuilding with a core of youth and top draft picks. The other is a crew of accomplished veterans fighting, once again, for the ultimate prize. The Staples Center houses several storylines in regards of Los Angeles NBA basketball.
Both teams have talented new additions to aid in their causes. The Clippers acquired center Marreese Speights from the Golden State Warriors in the offseason. Speights has been coming off the bench with his championship-winning experience during the preseason. He contributed 15 points in the Clipper’s season-opening win against the Portland Trailblazers.
Jordan and forward Blake Griffin were the consistent leaders for rebounds over the weekend.
The Lakers also landed a championship player in the former Cleveland Cavaliers 7’1” center Mozgov. During the preseason, Mozgov averaged 5.9 points per game; he scored 12 points and eight rebounds against the Rockets.
Veteran forward Luol Deng also brings to the Lakers postseason experience. He scored 12 points and 12 rebounds in their 89-96 loss against the Utah Jazz. Deng, like Mozgov was a starter for both the preseason and the first three games.
Although the Clippers have many new faces, superstars like Jordan, Griffin, and guard Chris Paul returned. Guards Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick are still leaders of the Clippers second unit.
The Lakers roster is more familiar for the most part, with guard Lou Williams, forward Julius Randle, and Metta World Peace returning.
Forward Nick Young was promoted to a starter and scored in the double digits during the two road losses in opening weekend. Although he is team captain, Williams comes off the bench along with Clarkson.
Jordan and rookie Brandon Ingram suffered from injuries. Ingram left Jazz game due to leg soreness, but played for 21 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder and ultimately earned nine points and five rebounds.
In the second half of the Clippers’ home opener, Jordan doubled over in pain. He sprained his right thumb, but sat out of the game until the fourth quarter. By the end of the game, Jordan gave the Clippers seven points and 16 rebounds.
Opening weekend showed the potential of both teams, but only time will tell if the either teams will reach it. The talent of the team, the personalities of the players, and the passion showed during each game with draw fans to watch each game.
