Jenkins makes first NBA start

In the previous four seasons, there never was any doubt that Charles Jenkins would be in the starting lineup. In Hofstra's 128 games, Jenkins was on court for the opening tap 128 times.

But Friday night's game was momentous for him. He had never begun a game against players like these guys: Kobe Bryant. Pau Gasol. Derek Fisher. Andrew Bynum.

Jenkins started in an NBA game for the first time as his Golden State Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, 97-90, at Staples Center.

Jenkins had two points and a rebound in 10:09, shooting 1-for-2. Bryant scored 26 of his 39 points in the second half for the Lakers. The Warriors were without starting point guard Stephen Curry, who is out indefinitely with a sprained ankle.

Jenkins also started Saturday night against Utah in the Warriors' 88-87 loss. He shot 1-for-3 and had an offensive rebound and an assist in 9:51.

Against the Lakers, Jenkins tied the score at 4-4 with a jumper. Against the Jazz, he tied the score at 48 early in the third quarter with the sort of driving bank shot that resulted in so many of his points for Hofstra.

Jenkins has 10 points on 5-for-9 shooting and four assists in 41:51 in six games, including six points in 14 minutes against the Suns. He went scoreless in 4:41 against the Knicks earlier this season.

Jenkins, who played for Springfield Gardens High School in Queens, won the Haggerty Award as the top collegiate player in the metropolitan area the past three years. He finished his Hofstra career with a school-record 2,513 points.

Two of Jenkins' current teammates also used to play in New York. David Lee had 15 points and 11 rebounds and Nate Robinson had nine points and four assists against the Lakers. Lee had 13 points and 15 rebounds and Robinson had 11 points and five assists against the Jazz. And Jenkins' coach is Mark Jackson, who starred for St. John's and the Knicks.

The Warriors do not visit Madison Square Garden this season but will play the Nets at the Prudential Center on Jan. 18.