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Lakers Roll Over Warriors 87-72
11.02.03
It may not have been pretty, but the Los Angeles Lakers moved to 3-0 on the young season, as they beat the Golden State Warriors 87-72 behind Kobe Bryant‘s 21 points.
The game was marred by sloppy play, as both teams combined for 37 turnovers. The Lakers managed to overcome shooting just 43% from the floor as they led the game wire to wire. The Warriors shot an even more miserable 37% from the field, and managed to hit only 20% (3 of 15) from beyond the arc.
Bryant led all scorers with 21 points, he also had five steals, and looked much more fluid in his second game back. He also played 35 minutes after logging 37 last night in Phoenix.
Shaquille O’Neal put up 17 points and 14 rebounds, Karl Malone added 16, and Gary Payton chipped in with 10 points and 11 assists. Devean George continues to benefit from starting with the “Fab Four,” as he had another strong game, scoring 12 points on 6-9 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds.
The Lakers will spend the next week on the road, for a tough four-game road trip which will take them to Milwaukee, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Memphis. The team will need to play with more intensity on the road than they did this night, especially with a showdown against the World Champion Spurs on Thursday.
The Warriors, who were missing several players, including starting guard Jason Richardson (serving the final game of a three-game suspension), were led by Clifford Robinson’s 19 points. Erick Dampier also grabbed a game and career-high 23 rebounds.
Link: LakerStats.com Box Score
Link: NBA.com Recap
It’s Official, Malone and Payton Are Lakers
07.15.03
Karl Malone and Gary Payton are now officially members of the Los Angeles Lakers, after signing contracts shortly after midnight Eastern time on Wednesday.
Malone signed a 2-year deal worth $3 million, while Payton also signed a multi-year contract, which will pay him $4.9 million this season.
Laker team spokesman John Black and general manager Mitch Kupchak had dinner at a West Los Angeles restaurant Tuesday night with Payton and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, and Malone’s agent, Dwight Manley. Lakers front office employees Ronnie Lester and Bill Bertka were also present. Malone faxed in his contract from Arkansas shortly after it was allowed to be signed.
The players will be formally introduced Thursday at Staples Center.
The addition of Malone and Payton to the already potent tandem of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, will give the Lakers one of the more feared starting lineups in NBA history.
News Link – ESPN – “Payton, Malone officially sign on dotted line”
News Link – Lakers.com – “Lakers Sign Free Agents Gary Payton and Karl Malone”
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