Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - This was not the start Kobe Bryant, Dwight
Howard and the rest of the Lakers envisioned.
As for the Clippers, they finally got the upperhand as the visiting team at
Staples Center.
Jamal Crawford led a balanced attack with 21 points off the bench and Chris
Paul tallied 18 points and 15 assists in the Clippers' 105-95 triumph to deal
the Lakers a third straight loss to begin the season.
Bryant scored 40 and Howard ended with 13 points, eight boards and five
blocks. Pau Gasol totaled 10 points and 14 boards, but the Lakers fell to 0-3
for only the fourth time in their history and first time since the 1978-79
season.
The Lakers played without star point guard Steve Nash, who sat out due to a
lower left leg contusion.
Paul, who had just one turnover, took advantage of the situation. He was
masterful in pick-and-roll situations.
The only time the Lakers began 0-4 was in 1957 when Minneapolis dropped its
first seven contests. The Lakers host Detroit Sunday night.
As for the Clippers, this was their first victory as a road team at Staples
Center since April 12, 2007. The Clippers had lost their last nine games as
the road team in this series.
GAME NOTES:
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