Walker Kessler took 12 shots in his first game as a Laker and made all 12, finishing with 26 in a 127-105 rout of Golden State. A day later the injury report had good news too: Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero and Collin Sexton came off the out list and are now day-to-day ahead of Friday's Clippers game.
A Center Without a Miss
Kessler played only five games last season. On opening night he didn't miss a shot from the floor, blocked two and finished plus-24. Doncic controlled the game with 28, eight boards, seven assists, three steals and a 9-for-9 night at the stripe, though six turnovers took some of the shine off. Reaves added 23 and went 10-for-10 at the line. The game turned in the third quarter, which the Lakers won 36-16 on the way to a 35-point lead. ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that Yaxel Lendeborg said he had "lost all respect" for Doncic.
Crosstown, Thinned Out
Tyronn Lue's Clippers come in 1-0, but without their best scorer. Brandon Ingram, who averaged 21.5 a night over 77 games last season, is sidelined by an Achilles injury. Bradley Beal (knee) and Max Strus (foot) are ruled out as well. That leaves Darius Garland, last season's 18.8 points and 6.7 assists, to carry the load. Los Angeles hosts on Oct. 23, and the two teams meet again on the Clippers' floor on Oct. 28.
Who Gives Up Minutes
Carr, Thiero and Sexton all have Oct. 23 as their target date. Sexton is the big one: last season he scored 15.4 a game and shot 40.1% on threes. The bench he would join just put up 31 points. Quentin Grimes was plus-20 with no turnovers, and Jake LaRavia went 4-for-5. Once Sexton is cleared, JJ Redick has to decide which of those minutes go to him.
When do the Lakers play the Clippers?
They host the Clippers on Friday, Oct. 23, and visit them on Oct. 28.
Will Collin Sexton play against the Clippers?
He is day-to-day with a right calf injury, and his target date is Oct. 23. Friday is possible, but he has not been cleared.
