Russell Westbrook was ejected as the Los Angeles Lakers blew a 26-point lead to lose 123-115 against his former side the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers led 56-30 during the second quarter but the Thunder hit back to take a 97-95 lead at the third-quarter buzzer before staying clear.
Westbrook recorded his first triple-double for the Lakers since joining in August but also had 10 turnovers. He was ejected late on for a second technical foul.
It was the 32-year-old guard’s first appearance for the Lakers in Oklahoma City, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his NBA career.
LeBron James missed his second straight game because of an ankle injury.
Fellow star Anthony Davis scored 30 points but could not prevent the 2020 champions from losing the third game in their first five matches.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points to help them secure their first win of the season.
Elsewhere, reigning champions the Milwaukee Bucks were beaten 113-108 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hitting 40 points.
The Brooklyn Nets, another pre-season favorite for the title, suffered their third defeat of the season as they were beaten 106-93 by the Miami Heat.
Last year’s beaten finalists the Phoenix Suns lost for the second game in a row as the Sacramento Kings secured a 110-107 win.
Other Results
Orlando Magic 111-120 Charlotte Hornets
Brooklyn Nets 93-106 Miami Heat
New Orleans Pelicans 99-102 Atlanta Hawks
Toronto Raptors 118-100 Indiana Pacers
Boston Celtics 107-116 Washington Wizards
Milwaukee Bucks 108-113 Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder 123-115 Los Angeles Laker
Portland Trail Blazers 116-96 Memphis Grizzlies
Phoenix Suns 107-110 Sacramento Kings
Los Angeles Clippers 79-92 Cleveland Cavaliers
The story was originally published here.
