MKRob Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers received their championship rings, raised their 15th title banner to the rafters at Staples Center and then got a sterling performance from Finals MVP Kobe Bryant to beat the Clippers, 99-92, in the season-opener for both teams.

Bryant went 11-of-26 from the field and dropped 33 points, pulled down eight rebounds and had four steals. Lakers center Andrew Bynum celebrated his 22nd birthday in style by chipping in 26 points and 13 rebounds, while newlywed Lamar Odom tacked on 16 points and 13 boards for the Lakers.

Newly acquired forward Ron Artest, who left Houston to join the Lakers in the offseason, struggled offensively with just 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting.

The Clippers minus #1 overall pick, former Oklahoma Sooners forward Blake Griffin, who will be out the next six weeks due to a broken kneecap, played exceptionally well against the defending champions.

In a losing effort, second year shooting guard Eric Gordon led the Clippers in scoring with 21 points.

Center Chris Kaman contributed 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Clippers, who trailed by just a point going to the fourth before faltering down the stretch.

Point guard Baron Davis had just two points on 1-of-10 shooting and dished out eight assists.