76ers avoid record for historically inept start with win over Lakers

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-91 Tuesday night, avoiding what would have been an NBA-record 0-19 start to the season.

The Sixers now stand at 1-18, avoiding a record in the same fashion the 2009-10 New Jersey Nets did by winning their 19th game of the season. Philadelphia still holds the NBA record of 28 consecutive losses, dating back to last season.

For what will likely be the only time this year, oddsmakers had listed the lowly Sixers as favorites over the near-equally inept Lakers, who fell to 2-15. While the 76ers' win spoiled Kobe Bryant's final NBA game in his hometown of Philadelphia, they were triumphant on a night that saw the franchise honor late center Moses Malone.

Robert Covington led the way for the 76ers with 23 points. Nerlens Noel made his return to the lineup from a two-game absence, scoring 14 points, and grabbing nine rebounds off the bench. Tuesday was also the first time this season they had a lead going into the fourth quarter at home.

Bryant finished with 20 points for the Lakers, only four of which came in the second half.