The Brooklyn Nets beat the Los Angeles Lakers handedly 123-97 in the 2021-22 NBA pre-season opening game Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, James Johnson, Joe Harris, Patty Mills, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden sat out for the Nets.
Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Trevor Ariza, and Russell Westbrook sat out for the Lakers; and Anthony Davis played only 11 minutes.
Rookie Cam Thomas – the number 27 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft – was the player of the game, scoring a game high 21 points on 7-14 shooting from the field.
Malik Monk played well for the Lakers off the bench, scoring 15 points on 6-12 shooting from the field.
The Nets and Lakers will likely rest their veteran stars for the majority of the pre-season; which runs through October 15th.