The Lakers led by 10 points (59-49) at the half then let the Clippers close the gap in the third before pulling away in the fourth quarter.
“We just played with a sense of enjoyment that carried us for the first half,” Bryant said. “In the second half we had to get to the grind a little more.”
Eric Gordon led the Clippers with 21 points against the Lakers.
Clippers Baron Davis said the game was close and he sees an upside to the season.
“Last year we got blown out but I think this year it is a different team,” Davis said. “We really felt we could have won this game.”
In Cleveland, reigning MVP James knocked down 38 points and had eight assists. O’Neal, a 15-time All-Star who was traded to the Cavaliers from the Phoenix Suns in the offseason, poured in 10 points and 10 rebounds in a rare home loss for the Cavs.
Last season, the Cavaliers won their first 23 home games, on the way to a 39-2 mark at home.
Dallas and Portland were also winners on Tuesday.
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