Los Angeles had an early matchup of city rivals yesterday with the Clippers and Lakers playing at Staples Center in the first of two preseason games between the two L.A. teams. Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler all got the start and made their Clippers debut in the 114-95 win over Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and the Lakers. Paul was acquired through a trade while Billups was claimed off waivers and Butler was signed as a free agent this off-season
Chauncey Billups had 23 points while Chris Paul ran things with 17 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds for the new look Clippers. Blake Griffin added 12 points and five rebounds, but got into foul trouble in the second quarter with his third foul. Brian Cook and Randy Foye also had 12 points while the Clippers out shot the Lakers from all aspects on the floor.
Kobe Bryant, three days after receiving word his wife, Vanessa Bryant, would be filing for divorce, had 22 points and 7 turnovers in 30 minutes of play. Pau Gasol added 16 points and 7 boards while center Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 12 rebounds in the game. This was the first game played without forward Lamar Odom, who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks just a few days ago. Derek Fisher did not play in the game due to conditioning reasons.
The Los Angeles Clippers should be a threat in the western conference this year adding important pieces in Paul, Billups and Butler. This will be a young fun team to watch make a run this year in the NBA.
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The Los Angeles Clippers have claimed former New York Knicks guard Chauncey Billups off of waivers. Billups was released Friday by the New York Knicks through the new amnesty clause that was introduced in the new NBA’s labor agreement. ...