LAS VEGAS — The Los Angeles Lakers continued gearing up for the 2023-24 regular season with a 129-126 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
Austin Reaves, fresh from his FIBA World Cup 2023 stint with Team USA in the Philippines last month, had 18 points to lead the Lakers while LeBron had 10 points, three rebounds and five dimes.
The Lakers leaped to a 75-point first half assault and got contributions from both their starters and a robust bench.
Anthony Davis finished with 13 markers, seven rebounds and three blocks. DeAngelo Russell added 14 and six assists while Christian Wood added 10 points and six rebounds.
Behind the 26 points from Cam Thomas, the Nets shot a blistering 49.4 percent from the field (43-of-87) and 38.5 percent from three (15-of-39). But Brooklyn got out-rebounded, 48-44, and lost the assists battle, 25-19.
Spencer Dinwiddie had 12 points while Trendon Watford accounted for 10. Despite the loss, the Nets got a silver lining as Ben Simmons returned to the lineup after a protracted absence last season.
The 27-year-old Simmons, the No.1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, fired 10 points and three assists in 14 minutes of limited action.
In the resumption of pre-season play, the Lakers go home to Crypto.com Arena to host the Sacramento Kings while the Nets play guest team Macabbi Ra’anaan at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn.
