Postgame Wrap: Spurs defeat Lakers in Kobe’s return SA

“We don’t try to convince people, very honestly”, said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. struggled to find their rhythms, and neither player put out an especially memorable performance on this occasion. (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, in San Antonio.

San Antonio outscored Los Angeles 44-34 in the paint and shot 53 percent for the game. Kobe Bryant and Russell took control of the game, each of them with seven points, and the Lakers lead 19-15 midway through the first quarter.

Bryant is considered by many to be one of the greatest National Basketball Association players in history and despite being hindered by injuries over the last two seaons, the 37 year old and two time gold medalistwould love to be a part of the team, if he is fit enough. The Spurs shot 53 percent and had 25 assists on 43 made shots as LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard carried them.

Rookie D’Angelo Russell had a career-high 24 points and added six assists and six rebounds for Los Angeles.

The (3-19) play their seventh-straight road game on Friday night, visiting the dominant (18-5). Between he and Johnathan Simmons, they did a good job on Bryant. “I think we found out from a great player that he was more interested in basketball, on the court stuff, than anything else”. “We’ve had some epic battles”.

The Lakers came out with a lot of energy and was matching San Antonio basket for basket, until that was no longer the case. He’s helped beat the Spurs in the postseason four times, including the 2001 and 2008 Western Conference Finals. For Bryant, he finished with 12 points on the night in front of a contingent of Lakers fans. After posting 23 points on 8-of-20 shooting and three assists on Wednesday against Minnesota, Russell appeared comfortable both with his outside shot and setting up teammates. “But I don’t feel like it’s that serious”. San Antonio won again in 2005 and 2007 against the and Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively. Scott rated Russell’s development a “7” on a scale of 1 to 10 after projecting him two weeks ago at a “5”.

“I have no idea”, Scott said.

The Lakers managed to keep the game competitive for the first half, but the Spurs led by as many as 17 points in the third quarter and eventually ended up winning by 22 points.

Aldridge fed a cutting Manu Ginobili for a reverse layup, and Ginobili returned the favor on the following possession, lobbing the ball into Aldridge for a layup.

A few days later, Aldridge chose to move from Portland to the Spurs and on Friday night gave the Lakers plenty to talk about. Patty Mills led that charge as he nailed back-to-back three’s. With Jordan Clarkson out due to a sprained ankle, Russell earned the start and played a game-high 36 minutes. Scott also expected Clarkson to miss today’s game in Houston.

“They force us to be our absolute best whenever we’ve played against them”, Bryant said. “Words can’t describe the amount of respect I have for him”. He told SiriusXM NBA Radio that this will be the flawless send-off to a future legend and fans will also be looking forward to seeing him play with the best one last time.

“If they come they come”, Popovich said.