Clarkson leads Lakers to 99-86 win over Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson, front, drives toward the basket past Indiana Pacers forward Bojan Bogdanovic during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
LOS ANGELES — Reserve guard Jordan Clarkson sparked an undermanned Lakers team with 33 points to lead Los Angeles to a 99-86 victory Friday night over the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers, missing three injured starters, snapped a two-game skid despite making just two of 14 free throws. They shot 14.3 percent from the line, a franchise low.
Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 25 points. Domantas Sabonis added 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Only three other Lakers scored in double figures besides Clarkson. Julius Randle had 14 points, Kyle Kuzma added 13 and Larry Nance Jr. 10.
The Pacers, the NBA’s third-best shooting team, shot 39.6 percent the previous night in Portland and then opened Friday’s game by missing 13 of their first 17 attempts.
They shot 38.1 percent on the night, including 2 for 25 from 3-point range. It was the first time this season they shot less than 40 percent in consecutive games.
The Pacers had won five of seven.
TIP-INS
Pacers: Three former UCLA players returned to Los Angeles with Indiana, including two rookies making their first appearances as pros: forward TJ Leaf (18th overall draft pick) and C Ike Anigbogu (47th). Both have struggled to earn playing time, while G Darren Collison has become a fixture at point guard. … C Myles Turner missed his sixth consecutive game with a strained right elbow.
Lakers: Maybe it’s Staples Center. The Lakers played without three regulars: G Lonzo Ball (knee), F Brandon Ingram (ankle) and G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (strained Achilles). So all five players on the court for the opening tip were not typically starters. Their arena-mates, the Clippers, have been playing down at least three starters for most of the season.
UP NEXT
Pacers: Travel to San Antonio, where they have lost their last three, to face the Spurs on Sunday.
Lakers: Host the Knicks on Sunday afternoon.
