Last night the LA Lakers opened the 2010-2011 NBA season with one heck of a close game. The defending champs beat the Houston Rockets by a score of 112-110 in a close, high scoring affair. At halftime, the Lakers were down by a score of 62-51, and things looked pretty bad for the champs. The team turned it on, however, in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Rockets 26-20, and continued strong throughout the 4th, outscoring the Rockets 35-28, to walk away with the victory.

The Lakers shot 41.7% from the field, and 42.9% from 3-point range. Their free throws were lacking, however, at just 82.1%. Paul Gasol was the high scorer for the night for the Lakers with 29 points, while Kobe Bryant came in a close second with 27 points. Kevin Martin led the Rockets in scoring with 26 points. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Houston on December 1st, and once more in LA on February first.

The Lakers, who now have 16 NBA championships, look to continue their success in the 2000′s with their 7th championship since the turn of the millennium.