Lakers vs. Clippers: Best photos from season opener

Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, taps rings with teammate Jared Dudley on Tuesday night during a pregame ceremony.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

By Robert GauthierStaff Photographer

Dec. 22, 2020 9:13 PM PT

The Lakers lost to the Clippers, 116-109, in the season opener Tuesday night at Staples Center.

Here is a look at the top photos from the game, which started after the Lakers received their 2020 NBA championship rings.

Lakers forward LeBron James puts on his NBA championship ring during the pregame ceremony Tuesday.

For LeBron James, it was his fourth championship ring after earning two with the Miami Heat and another during his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after receiving his 2020 NBA championship ring.

Lakers forward LeBron James kneels on the court after receiving his 2020 NBA championship ring.

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A banner telling Lakers fans to "stay tuned" hangs as a placeholder for the team's 2020 championship.

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The Lakers fell behind early in the game but forward LeBron James was able to make his presence known with an early dunk.

Lakers forward LeBron James drives down the lane for a dunk in the first half.

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Clippers guard Lou Williams steals the ball from Lakers forward Anthony Davis in the first half.

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Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is fouled by Lakers center Marc Gasol on a layup during the first half.

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Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (21) collides with Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) in front of Clippers coach Tyronn Lue.

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Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope takes off for a dunk during the first half.

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Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) challenges the shot of Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first half.

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Lakers forward Anthony Davis is defended by Clippers guard Patrick Beverley and center Ivica Zubac.

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Lakers guard Dennis Schroder stumbles while being defended by Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the second half.

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Robert Gauthier

Robert Gauthier has been with the Los Angeles Times since 1994. He was the photographer for a project detailing the failings of an L.A. public hospital that won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for public service. Before The Times, Gauthier worked at the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Escondido Times-Advocate and the Bernardo News in San Diego County, his hometown.