(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES -- Just as the ball was tipped, the Cleveland Cavaliers showed that they brought the energy to Los Angeles, as they were in control for most of the first half. Rodney Hood began the game scorching hot, as he led all scorers heading into halftime with 14 points. The Lakers were able to hang around in the first half thanks to 11 points from both Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball. After an up and down first two quarters, the Cavaliers took a 51-46 lead with them to halftime.
Cedi Osman had the hot hand in the second half. Osman seemed to hit shot after shot, and the Lakers did not have an answer. Cavs rookie Collin Sexton hit some big shots for the Cavaliers down the stretch, as he helped lift the Cavs to a 101-95 win. Sexton played arguably his most complete game of the season, scoring 17 points on 7-14 shooting. All five of the Cavaliers' starters scored in the double digits, and Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 9 points.
The Los Angeles Lakers are last in the league in free throw percentage, and their woes continued tonight, shooting 16-27 from the charity stripe..Kyle Kuzma scored a game-high 29 points, and pulled in 9 rebounds. Brandon Ingram contributed 22 points in a losing effort.
The Cavaliers will remain on the west coast and will take on the Portland Trail Blazers on January 16th, tip-off set for 10:00 pm ET.