Slash can't help Clippers woes in first game, loss of season.

Los Angeles, Ca

On the road opener, the Lakers didn't have to travel far. They played on the Red White and Blue floor of the host Clippers in a battle of the building. While Slash of Guns And Roses fame played the National Anthem, the Lakers did just that and slashed through the Clippers backcourt en route to a lop-sided blowout victory.  The boys dressed in purple and gold came out to the challenge of starting a win streak. The Clippers, whether they wanted to or not, decided to concede. They allowed the Lakers to open up the floor in the half court game and shoot away, usually uncontested. The new emphasis on defense was evident early in this contest, as it was a night before. The Lakers giving way to 27 points in quarter number one and shoring up the D to allow only 17 in the second frame. Giving up 44 points, 10 more than the previous nights first half vs Portland, seemed promising as the Lakers ended that contest giving up the fewest points to any opponent since a November 06 contest against the Bulls at Staples, where they won 82-72. The final score was 117-79 with the Lakers biggest lead being 40 points. Not much to say for Baron Davis's new team in their home opener. The Clips seemed to be ready to get back to the locker rooms early in the third quarter, just wanting the embarrassment to end. With all twelve active Lakers scoring, not much went wrong for this team. The Lakers won both the rebound and turnover games, with what seemed like a lot more than the 12 offensive boards they gobbled up. The Turkeys, or should I say the Clippers looked sleepy most of the night.

They are probably now just hoping this game won't be a foreshadowing of what's to come, as the Lakers won last years season series 4-0, with average wins by 26 points. The Lakers now head to Denver to take on a team seeking revenge, after being ousted in a 4-0 sweep by the eventual Western Conference Champions in the first round of last years playoffs.

Also, ESPN.com reports that Lakers center Andrew Bynum has agreed to a four year extension worth about $58 million. He will earn $42 million the first three years with a team option fourth year at $16 million. This keeps Bynum, earning $2.8 million this year, a Laker through the 2012-13 season.

El Segundo, Ca

As the Kings sat idle the last couple of days trying to move on from a tough overtime loss to the defending champ Red Wings, things might be coming together for them. First year head coach, Terry Murray, has promoted Patrick O'Sullivan back to the number one line. He rejoins Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar, two of his closest off ice friends as well. This line displayed a great deal of chemistry last season, with all three seeing a jump in production on the ice. The Kings play host to Vancouver (4-5-0) tonight at Staples Center. Rookie center Oscar Moller looks to be staying with the club, as he needs only two more games before he officially garners the NHL salary for this season. He has 2 goals and 2 assists in 8 games thus far.

Chavez Ravine, Ca

Not much news from the Dodgers right now. While manager Joe Torre took in the Lakers game last night, he was questioned again, not surprisingly, about free agent Manny Ramirez. Torre indicated he would love to keep Ramirez but it is out of his hands at this point. Meanwhile, GM Ned Colletti has a busy week ahead of himself with 14 potential free agents. Ramirez, Furcal, Lowe, and Blake lead that list. The Dodgers have 15 days, starting thursday, to deal with Ramirez.

Philadelphia, Pa

The Phillies ended a long 27 year drought, as Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske to end a good game that took about three days to complete. The new World Series Champions have a parade scheduled for noon on Friday. Cole Hamels won the W.S. MVP award after going 4-0 with a 1.80 era in 5 post season starts.