The first game out of the All-Star break is usually sloppy as players look to regain their rhythm after a week off. For LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, there is no grace period in the Western Conference and they have to play great immediately to keep up with the other contenders.
Unfortunately, L.A. was given a tall task of playing one of, if not the hottest teams, in the Los Angeles Clippers. Kawhi Leonard has been on a heater, playing like an All-NBA star by averaging 27.8 points.
However, the Lakers came out with intent out the gates by dropping 41 points in the first quarter.