23 Dec 2010

Lakers lose at home to inspired Bucks

6:02 am on 23 December 2010

The NBA defending champions the Los Angeles Lakers were left stunned and humiliated after being upset 98-79 on their home court by the under-strength Milwaukee Bucks.

Back in familiar surroundings after winning five of their last six games on the road, the Lakers were unable to maintain any consistency against a team missing pivotal point guard Brandon Jennings through injury.

Earl Boykins scored a game-high 22 points off the bench for the Bucks, including four three-pointers, while guard John Salmons contributed 20 points and forward Ersan Ilyasova 17.

The Bucks, who were also without regular starters Corey Maggette and Drew Gooden due to injury, ended a run of six consecutive defeats at the hands of the Lakers.

All-Star guard Kobe Bryant was restricted to 21 points for the home team, who shot only 46 percent from the field on a forgettable night compared to Milwaukee's 51 percent.