Lakers win battle of L.A.

When the season first began no one knew quite what to expect from the Lakers. They lost Shaq, Malone and Payton and who knew what kind of state Bryan would be in after his trial. But last night versus the LA Clippers the Lakers showed everyone that they weren't going anywhere. Bryant scored 23 points along with 5 other teammates who reached the double digits in a 103-89 victory. Bryant commented on the win which was reached by team balance and distributing the ball equally. With 1:01 left in the 3rd quarter the game was tied at 71 but Mihm hit two free throws and Kobe sunk a jumper to put the Lakers up by 4 at the end of the third. The Lakers came out strong in the 4th quarter scoring 15 out of the first 20 points. The Clippers never got within 10 points for the rest of the game.