Los Angeles, Oct 30: The Los Angeles Lakers open their season with a 109-93 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Karl Malone just missed a triple-double in his Los Angeles debut on Tuesday (October 28) as the Lakers, playing without the injured Kobe Bryant, beat the Dallas Mavericks 109-93. Bryant missed the season opener with his sore knee, but that didn't stop the Lakers from dominating the Mavericks, as six players scored in double points. Shaquille O'Neal had 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists; Malone had 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists; while Gary Payton had 21 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Devean George and Derek Fisher also had 16 points. Antoine Walker led Dallas with 21 points, while Dirk Nowitzki added 19 points and 13 rebounds.


The acquisition of future Hall of Famers Payton and Malone has given coach Phil Jackson a 'dream team' of talent to choose from at the Staples Center but the hostility between O'Neal and Bryant has scuppered his best laid plans.


Bryant was fined on Tuesday for making critical comments about team mate O'Neal. The team did not disclose the amount of the fine for Bryant's comments, which he made on Monday, questioning O'Neal's dedication to the team.

The two superstars have feuded in the past and the latest comments from Bryant sparked yet another controversy between the two.

Media reports say Bryant, whose season is also being overshadowed by sexual assault charges facing him at a forthcoming trial, is likely to leave the Lakers. Bryant, 25, has denied raping a 19-year-old woman.


Late in the third quarter on Tuesday Bryant joined the team on the bench after a workout. He received a cheer from the crowd and took a seat next to O'Neal, who didn't seem to acknowledge his presence.


Bureau Report