By FOX Sports West’s Chris Duel and Aja Boswell, our partners at SportsNet LA
It took 37 games and 115 points in a little over two weeks to finally get the Western Conference’s best team, the Golden State Warriors, at Staples Center.
DeMarcus Cousins, debuting for the Los Angeles Lakers, paved the way with 11 first-quarter points on the way to 26 points in 33 minutes. With it, the Lakers were able to hold on to a 117-92 victory in front of a sellout crowd Sunday night.
With LeBron James sidelined for a fourth straight game with a groin injury, the Lakers’ streak of consecutive home wins became the longest active streak in the NBA.
It marks the first time since 1977-78 that the Lakers have been 14-1 or better at home.
On Friday night, the LA Clippers continued a trend they’ve continued so far this season: a bit too early of a lead that they eventually have to defend.
The Clippers led the Lakers 56-47 at halftime on the way to a 121-107 victory. It was just the second time this season that the Clippers led the Lakers at halftime.
SIGNING DAY
Not long after signing with the Lakers, forward Michael Beasley signed a 10-day contract.
Monday, he also became a 13-year veteran, becoming the fourth longest-tenured active player in the NBA.
BEASLEY QUICK
In just over three minutes on the court, Beasley scored three points. On his first trip to the line, he sank a pair of free throws to help the Lakers to an early lead.
BEASLEY OFF
After logging 35 minutes, Beasley had to exit the game with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter. He was quickly replaced by Darrell Arthur, who as a small forward, can assist defensively with Beasley being a defender.
HALL TOURNAMENT
With his locker-room activism during his first season with the Lakers, Rondo has become a favorite among young players.
With their game Sunday against the LA Clippers, the Lakers held a surprise event for young fans, accepting them as their “youngest hall of famers” by taking them on the court for a pregame shootaround.