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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant Shines, Fizzles In Opener

By Jackson Sanders

October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves to the basket against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves to the basket against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves to the basket against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) moves to the basket against the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Lakers opened the season with a handful of story lines: Kobe Bryant’s 20th season with the club, second overall pick taking on first overall pick, and Julius Randle‘s debut, again.

What the team did not open the season with is a win. The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-111 in their first game of the season, despite a few highlights and reasons for optimism.

For the Lakers, Kobe Bryant led the way with 24 points. Julius Randle had 15 points and 11 rebounds, and D’Angelo Russell began his career with a four-point, two-assist effort.

The first overall pick, Karl-Anthony Towns, had 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Ricky Rubio exploded for 28 points and 14 assists, while Kevin Martin added 23 off the bench for Minnesota.

The Lakers (0-1) will take on the Sacramento Kings (0-1) at Sleep Train Arena in their next game on Friday, but first here are four takeaways from the season opener:

Next: Kobe Giveth, Kobe Taketh

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