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Clippers down Lakers despite front office turmoil

Oct 10, 2008 - 4:52 AM FRESNO, California (Ticker) -- A drastic change in the front office isn't affecting the Los Angeles Clippers on the court.

Rookie Mike Taylor scored 20 points and newcomer Ricky Davis added 17 to lead the Clippers to a 107-80 victory against the rival Los Angeles Lakers in their preseason opener Thursday.

The Clippers' victory came just two days after long-time general manager Elgin Baylor was replaced by coach Mike Dunleavy.

The team did not specify a reason for Baylor's departure, but the Los Angeles Times reported that Dunleavy said that he was told Baylor was retiring.

However, Baylor said there was a dispute going on but was advised by his attorneys not to discuss the situation.

A struggle between the team's management was not apparent Thursday as the Clippers managed to forge a victory after dropping all four regular-season contests to the Lakers last season.

Taylor made 9-of-12 shots from the field while Davis, who was signed as a free agent from the Miami Heat during the offseason, was 3-of-5 from the arc and added four assists.

Baron Davis, the Clippers' biggest offseason addition, had 12 points and seven assists in 18 minutes while fellow newcomers, rookie Eric Gordon (high right ankle sprain) and Marcus Camby (healthy scratch) did not play.

Vladimir Radmanovic paced the Lakers with 14 points while reigning MVP Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Jordan Farmar contributed 12 points apiece.