Lakers don’t put up much of a fight without Kobe in 118-78 loss to Thunder

With Kobe Bryant sitting out Saturday afternoon, the Lakers never competed in their game at Oklahoma City.

Rookie forward Anthony Brown made his first start of the season in place of Bryant at small forward. No surprise that Kevin Durant had a big game with 22 points on seven-for-12 shooting and eight rebounds in less than 30 minutes.

The Lakers quickly fell behind by 20 points, lost every quarter and saw the Thunder push a lead to as many as 46 points on its way to a 118-78 victory. It was the Lakers’ least-impressive showing of the season.

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Lou Williams led the Lakers with 20 points on just 11 shots, making all six of his free throws. Starters Roy Hibbert, Larry Nance Jr. and Brown combined to score eight points.

Jordan Clarkson added 15 points, Nick Young had 14 and D’Angelo Russell finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

The Lakers shot only 34.9% from the field, 28.6% (eight for 28) from long range and 58.8% (10 for 17) from the free-throw line.

The Thunder converted 54.8%, 47.4% (nine for 19) and 68% (17 for 25), respectively.

Enes Kanter reached a double-double off the bench, with 19 points with 14 rebounds. Russell Westbrook contributed 13 points and 11 assists.

Serge Ibaka added 12 points, Dion Waiters scored 11 and Steven Adams and Anthony Morrow each had 10.

Lakers forward Julius Randle had a rough afternoon, scoring only two points on one-for-seven shooting with five turnovers.

The Lakers (4-23) travel to Denver to play the Nuggets (11-15) on Tuesday. The Thunder (18-9) visits the Clippers on Monday.

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Twitter: @EricPincus

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