Kawhi Leonard's Los Angeles Clippers beat LeBron's Los Angeles Lakers

2019 NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard wasted no time jumping into action, as his new side, the Los Angeles Clippers, outlasted city rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers 112-102 to start their 2019-2020 campaign. In just 32 minutes of play, the two-time NBA Finals MVP scored 30 points on 19 shots to drive home their victory.

• Clippers bench outscored Lakers' bench, 60-19
• Every player on the Clippers' bench scored in double figures
• Leonard scored 30 points, dished out five assists and grabbed six rebounds
   

Paul George, who moved from Oklahoma City to join the Clippers, suffered a shoulder injury last season and missed out. He is expected to return to action in the middle of November to join his new team.

Three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Lou Williams ,ended the game with 21 points, Montrezl Harrell scored 17 points and amassed seven rebounds.

LeBron James shot seven-of-19 for 18 points and Anthony Davis shot eight-of-21 scoring 25 points for the Lakers.

With both the teams not playing to their full strength due to a few star players missing from both teams, and having made a few changes, it was evident that they were testing waters in this one.

The entire game felt like a battle, and not just on the court. There was a vibe of hostility and contention even during the pregame introductions, as fans booed and cheered wildly. Kawhi Leonard who was addressing the crowd was booed especially hard. Los Angeles still is Lakers town, despite the Clippers having greater success in recent years.

Cover Image: Yahoo Sport U.K