Williams and LeBron sink LA

Mo Williams scored 28 points to go along with six rebounds, seven assists and three 3-pointers, and LeBron James added 26 points and nine assists as the Cavaliers easily beat the Lakers in L.A. on Christmas Day. Kobe Bryant paced the Los Angeles Lakers with 35 points and a near triple-double, but took 32 shots to reach 35 points, as the Cavs controlled the pace and tempo of the game from the opening tip. Tempers flared on the court, as Lamar Odom was ejected with two technical fouls, while Williams, LeBron, Kobe and Derek Fisher all confronted each other, leading to angry fans littering the floor with foam fingers. This may now be the most contested rivalry in the NBA.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Los Angeles: Marcus Camby, who was iffy coming into Friday’s game with a hyperextended left knee, started, but then left the game after aggravating the injury and will not return. Camby’s injuries are always a major concern and his status for his next game is automatically in doubt.

Los Angeles: Kobe Bryant scored 35 points, but made just 11-of-32 shots in a loss to the Cavaliers on Christmas Day. The Cavs easily won today’s game, although Kobe’s fantasy line included a 3-pointers, 12-of-12 free throw shooting, nine boards, eight assists and two steals. He has been dealing with a sore knee and a broken finger coming in, but looked to be moving at full speed in this one.

Phoenix: Phoenix Suns G Leandro Barbosa returned from a sprained ankle on Christmas Day and had 12 points, four assists, a steal and a block on 4-of-8 shooting in 21 minutes off the bench.

Boston Celtics: Kevin Garnett, who clearly landed hard on his back and tailbone on Friday, also hit his head on the court during the fall. He didn’t return to the game, but says he’s fine. “I’m ok,” Garnett said. “I’ve had harder falls. I’m just glad we won to be honest. I’m sure I’ll feel it in the morning. But for now, I’m all right.” The key words are “for now,” but it sounds like KG is planning to play on Sunday at the Clippers.

Boston: Glen Davis returned from a broken thumb on Friday and failed to score in four minutes.
He’ll be worked into the mix slowly, but if Kevin Garnett is ever going to miss a string of game due to injuries, Davis should have some immediate value in deep leagues.

Orlando: Vince Carter hit 10-of-20 shots and a 3-pointer for a game-high 27 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists and four steals as the Magic fell to the Celtics on Christmas Day.