Basketball: LA Lakers fend off Warriors' comeback bid

Los Angeles Lakers centre Anthony Davis (centre) going up for a shot against Golden State Warriors forwards Marquese Chriss (left) and Andrew Wiggins during their NBA match on Feb 8, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS/USA TODAY SPORTS

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Anthony Davis capped a big night at the foul line with three late free throws, helping the visiting Los Angeles Lakers hold off the new-look Golden State Warriors 125-120 in a nationally televised game Saturday night.

Davis shot nine of 13 at the line en route to a team-high 27 points to complement 10 rebounds. Avery Bradley sank five three-pointers to account for a majority of his 21 points, and LeBron James chipped in with 22 points, eight rebounds and a team-high 11 assists for the Lakers, who won for the ninth time in their last 11 road games.

Andrew Wiggins, one of four players making their debut with the Warriors, had 24 points. Marquese Chriss went for a season-high 26 for the Warriors, who lost at home for the eighth time in their last nine games.

Chriss' 26 points came on 12-of-15 shooting and were one shy of his career high. He had a team-high nine rebounds.

Poole finished with 19 points, and Alen Smailagic 10 for the Warriors, who shot 51.7 percent. Ky Bowman matched James' 11 assists to share game-high honors to go with seven points.

Davis finished nine of 14 overall for the Lakers, who improved to 2-0 against their California rival this season.

Kuzma and Dwight Howard added 12 points apiece, Rajon Rondo had 11 and Danny Green 10 for the Lakers, who shot 52.4 percent in their first regular-season game at the new Chase Center in San Francisco.

Coming off a home loss to Houston on Thursday, the Lakers appeared to be firmly in command, building as much as a 15-point lead in the first half and a 21-point advantage in the third period.

A Kyle Kuzma hoop put the Lakers up 110-94 with 8:03 to play before rookie Jordan Poole led a late Warriors flurry with three baskets, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Golden State got within 116-111 with 3:13 to go on a dunk by Eric Paschall, before Davis dropped in three straight free throws to help keep Golden State at bay.

Wiggins, acquired Thursday from Minnesota with a 2021 first-round draft pick in exchange for D'Angelo Russell, made eight of 12 shots and had five steals.

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