Defending NBA Champion Lakers Lose to Euroleague champion Barcelona
Two wings led FC Barcelona to victory over the NBA's defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, combining for 51 of 92 points, while holding to Lakers to only 88 points in this exhibition match.
Juan Carlos Navarro, formerly of the Memphis Grizzlies hit several long jump shots and connected from the foul line, while American-born Pete Mickeal led Barcelona across the board with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Even with Ricky Rubio's struggles continuing (0 points, 0-for-5 from the field, including 0-of-4 from 3-point range and 4 turnovers), and Kobe Bryant playing significant minutes, Barcelona took down the Lakers.
Los Angeles' weaknesses were highlighted by their inability to knock down perimeter jump shots; as a team, they missed all 13 of their 3-point attempts, while Bryant, as an individual, made just two of his 15 shots. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol showed that they can be a dominating frontcourt even without Andrew Bynum as Odom had a game-high 18 rebounds to go along with his 12 points and Gasol also posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 boards.
The Lakers completed their preseason European tour with an 0-2 mark and will head home this evening.
By President Corey Ruff - 10-7-10
