2019-20 NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers started their preparation for title defense with a pre-season game win over rivals Los Angeles Clippers. Lakers beat Clippers 87-81 behind solid outings by Talen Horton-Tucker, Kyle Kuzma and new addition Montrezl Harrell.
Lakers rested most of their starters including star duo LeBron James & Anthony Davis and Spaniard Marc Gasol. But Lakers fans got a chance to see the new signings Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell and Wesley Matthews on the court in the first pre-season game on Friday night.
Clippers started the game with full squad except Marcus Morris Sr., their star duo Kawhi Leonard and Paul George played 14 minutes each, also French duo Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum made their debut in Clipper colors.
Lakers second year guard Talen Horton-Tucker led all scorers with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals. Montrezl Harrell records double-double with 13 PTS and 12 REB against his former team. Kyle Kuzma adds 18 PTS along with 5 AST, while another new acquisition Dennis Schroder finishes game with 10 PTS on 2-2 from 3Pts range.
From Clippers, only Paul George scored in double figures, he finished game with 10 points on 4-9 shooting from the floor. Another super-star Kawhi Leonard scored just 3 points and grabbed 7 boards. Ivica Zubac finished game with 10 boards.
The second pre-season game between Staples Center rivals is scheduled for Sunday at 8 PM ET. It’s not clear yet whether Lakers coach Frank Vogel will bring in their star players for second game before team travel to Phoenix for final two pre-season games.
Post-Match Reactions:
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard talks about team Having fun on the floor.
Frank Vogel talks about Lakers new Addition and their performance in the first pre-game of the season.
Former Clipper and current Laker Montrezl Harrell talks about facing his Old team for the first time after shocking entire NBA with his decision to sign with Lakers during the off-season.
