Los Angeles Lakers: 8 Things We Learned from Monday's Preseason Loss to Clippers

On Monday night, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 114-95 to start off their two-game preseason stint against their crosstown rivals. 

The Battle for L.A. was not decided in this first matchup between the new-look Lakers and new-look Clippers, but general impressions for the Lakers' season were there for the taking.

Here are eight takeaways from the Lakers' first preseason game.

8. Perimeter Defense Still a Problem

The Lakers were unsuccessful at defending the Clippers from the three-point line, the Achilles Heel for the Lakers in the playoffs versus the Dallas Mavericks.

Now let's not read too far into this given it's preseason (Jim Mora voice: "Preseason? Preseason? You're talking about, Preseason?!").

But allowing the Clippers to shoot 46.4 percent from three-point land on 13-for-28 shooting is an overall lazy effort.

As the Lakers get more comfortable in Mike Brown's defensive schemes, their perimeter defense is sure to improve during the season.

7. Metta World Peace Struggling in New Role

Metta World Peace failed to deliver in his first chance to lead the bench.

As the anointed leader of the second unit, World Peace went 0-for-8 from the field, missing open jumpers and not getting the ball on the block as had been diagrammed this training camp.

If he is going to lead the second unit, Metta will have to focus on his post-up game. His outside shooting is not a strength and he can't be trusted to produce for the bench.

6. Darius Morris Can Start at Point

In his first slice of professional action, Darius Morris looked confident and in control running the point. D-Mo got extended minutes in the second and third periods, playing point with starters Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol on the floor.

D-Mo had 11 points, going 5-for-9 from the field and showing nice mid-to-long-range game. Darius' jump shot was a question mark in college, but it's clear his offseason work to improve his shooting range is paying off.

Darius will have to play more with the first unit to develop real chemistry, but the skill level and talent is definitely there.

5. Chris Paul Is Really, Really Good

Chris Paul is really, really good.

Nothing new to learn here, I know, but Paul showed why the Lakers were willing to trade both Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol for CP3's services.

Off the pick and roll, in the open floor, in dribble penetration, Paul could not be stopped. This will be a problem for not only the Lakers but any team unfortunate to face the Clippers this season.

4. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum Should Be Focal Point of Offense

Many sets were run for Kobe to get the ball in his sweet spot, right off the elbow, to much success.

But the Lakers' overwhelming strength was and still remains the frontcourt duo of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

Drew and Pau had 11 and 10 shot attempts on their way to 15 and 16 points, respectively.

But when posted up on the block in single coverage, the two seven footers had their way with the Clippers.

The Lakers would be wise to give both Pau and Drew 13 to 16 shot attempts per game. They are two of the more efficient scorers in the league.

Good things are sure to happen if they get the ball more.

3. Mike Brown Still Tinkering with Rotations

Lakers head coach Mike Brown experimented with different lineups throughout the game.

Darius Morris got plenty of playing time. Devin Ebanks? Not so much. Luke Walton? Seven minutes too many. Matt Barnes? A scant 11 minutes.

Franchise players Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were seen on the floor with a combination of starters (Matt Barnes, Steve Blake) and role players (Troy Murphy, Jason Kapono) throughout the game.

Mike Brown has plenty of different options with such a versatile roster. He'll eventually find lineups and rotations that stick.

2. Kobe's Knee Looks Great

After receiving cutting-edge platelet treatment on his right knee in Germany this summer, Kobe Bryant appears to have recovered from the knee issues that slowed him down last season.

Kobe was spry, quick off the dribble and had good elevation on his jumper.

More telling was Kobe's aggressiveness—going hard to the basket and to the rim.

Kobe was rewarded for taking it to the rack, going 12-for-15 from the free-throw line.

The knee looks just fine.

1. The Lakers Will Control the Glass This Season

The Lakers out-rebounded the Clippers 41 to 34.

Drew led the charge with 12 rebounds, Pau was next with 7 and the rest of the team chipped in with 22 more.

An overall average effort on the glass, but a sign of things to come this season.

Between Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy, there are plenty of big bodies down low ready to control the boards this year.

It's too bad the Clippers didn't miss more jumpers, because the Lakers were sure to gobble up their missed shots.

The Lakers will have another shot at the Clippers Wednesday night in the final game of the preseason.