Tonight, the Lakers will try to avoid a second consecutive loss when it takes on the Portland Trail Blazers at 10:30 p.m. EDT. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV. People can watch the game online with NBA League Pass.
The Los Angeles Lakers opened its season last night at the Staples Center and fell to the Dallas Mavericks, 91 - 99.
The Mavericks managed to win without its power forward Dirk Nowitzki who has been out after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Nowitzki is expected to be out of the lineup for at least three weeks and the team is hoping that the 11-time All-Star will only miss two weeks of the regular season.
The Mavericks team featured Elton Brand, Darren Collison, O.J. Mayo, Brandon Wright who were starting in their first game for the team.
The Mavericks return to the court tonight against the Utah Jazz. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who said he was playing at 85 percent, played for 35 minutes and scored 22 points on 11-for-14 shooting. He had one rebound, zero assists and no free throw attempts.
Bryant's role in the game was uncertain because of an injury he suffered on his right foot last week.
Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 23 points and 13 rebounds.
Bryant said the team needs to "execute much better offensively" as they learn to play together.
During the off-season, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash joined the Lakers and their performance might have lowered some expectations.
Howard had 19 points and 10 rebounds and missed 11 of 14 free throws and fouled out with 2:02 on the clock.
Nash scored seven points and four assists.
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