The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 103-101, in an NBA restart opener for both teams in Orlando on Thursday night.

The Lakers (50-14) got off to a fast start despite LeBron James not being in top form, as Anthony Davis played a prominent part in forging a 35-23 first-quarter advantage. The Clippers (44-21) did manage to shave 10 points from their deficit in the second quarter, however, and the second half saw both teams mostly remain within striking distance of the other. The final scoring sequence began with Paul George draining a three-point bucket with 29 seconds remaining to knot the score at 101. James followed on the next possession with a put-back of his own miss on an aggressive drive toward the basket that proved to be the game-winning points following a George misfire at the buzzer.

George led the Clippers with 30 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard furnished 28 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Patrick Beverley played after being questionable and delivered 12 points off the bench. Reggie Jackson drew the start at point guard and totaled 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Davis paced the Lakers with 34 points, supplementing them with eight boards and four assists. James registered a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Kuzma matched James' scoring tally and also provided seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Dion Waters poured in 11 points in 21 minutes.

Both teams return to the court Saturday, with the Clippers facing the New Orleans Pelicans in an evening tilt and the Lakers taking on the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.