Clippers' rout of Lakers doesn't count . . . well, maybe a little
It's only an exhibition, and that's some consolation to Lakers after Clippers roll, 114-95, behind new Chris Paul-Chauncey Billups backcourt. But it sure looks like tide is reversing in L.A. rivalry.
By Mike Bresnahan December 19, 2011, 11:16 p.m.
It was hardly the Battle of L.A. That was last week, when Chris Paul ended up with the Clippers instead of their sun-is-always-shining rivals down the hall at Staples Center. Score another one for the Clippers, though, who beat the Lakers in an exhibition opener, 114-95, Monday night. It was a small-scale victory to be remembered by nobody in a week, but the Clippers will take what they can get against the Lakers.
They looked younger and hungrier after the long lockout layoff, and they'll get another chance to prove it Wednesday when the teams meet again at Staples Center. The Clippers had plenty of fun, turning an exhibition game into an exhibition. Chris Paul wore a Clippers uniform for the first time and had 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, showing why the Lakers wanted him too. Chauncey Billups also looked like a great pickup, scoring 23 points in 20 minutes after being claimed off waivers from New York last week. "It was a little extra for me personally," said Paul, acquired from New Orleans for Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu and the Minnesota Timberwolves' first-round pick next June. "This is my first time ever putting on a different uniform. So it was fun to get up and down most of all because we've been competing against each other in practice." The Clippers led by five at halftime but pulled away with a 36-point third quarter. Their highlights were spread throughout the night.
