Despite some flashy moves, the Wizards are struggling to keep pace with the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. The Wizards trail the Lakers 36-23 after the first quarter.
Gilbert Arenas has eight points to lead the Wizards, playing with a makeshift starting lineup of Arenas, John Wall, JaVale McGee, Al Thornton and Yi Jianlian, who was making his first start as a Wizard. Andray Blatche is out with a left hip contusion sustained against Phoenix Sunday and could return by next Tuesday's rematch with the Lakers in Washington.
The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field, outrebounded the Wizards 17-6 and outscored them 22-4 in the paint. Lamar Odom led all scorers with 13 points.
Nick Young had four points, but none better than his 360-degree layup to score in the lane. Not to be outdone, Odom would throw down a ferocious dunk on the ensuing possession.