LOS ANGELES – It wasn’t quite a dry run for Opening Night, but the crowd at STAPLES Center was able to get its first peek at Frank Vogel’s squad.
With most of the starting lineup injured or resting after a week spent halfway ‘round the world in China, Dwight Howard was probably the most recognizable face in uniform come tipoff time. And the fanbase made sure to make him feel welcome right away.
The former Magic star, back with the Lakers after a 76-game stint in 2012-13, drew a foul within the first minute of play and promptly sank both free throws, drawing applause from the home crowd.