Lakers lose ninth straight, fall to Clippers, 105-93
The Lakers lost their ninth straight game, falling to the host Clippers, 105-93, Friday night at Staples Center.
In the Clippers’ first game back home since Blake Griffin broke his hand in a fight with a team staff member, the former All-Star was a no-show.
For Clippers fans hoping to get a look at Kobe Bryant in his final season, they too were denied. Bryant sat out because of a sore shoulder.
Despite a strong fight from the Lakers, the Clippers were able to pull away in the fourth quarter, led by 27 points and seven assists from All-Star guard Chris Paul.
The Lakers kept close most of the night, leading by as many as four points in the third quarter before Clippers reserves Austin Rivers (17 points), Jamal Crawford (15) and Lance Stephenson (16) helped crack the game open.
Second-year forward Julius Randle had a big night for the Lakers with 23 points and 14 rebounds, but also six turnovers. Jordan Clarkson scored 17, Roy Hibbert 12 and Lou Williams 11.
The Lakers shot 43.6% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range (five for 13) and 80% from the line (20 for 25). The Clippers hit 49.4%, 30.8% (eight for 26) and 70.8% (17 for 24), respectively.
While the Lakers more than doubled up the Clippers with 11 offensive rebounds to five -- the Clippers had just nine turnovers to the Lakers’ 18.
The Lakers (9-40) are off until Sunday, hosting the Charlotte Hornets (22-25). The Clippers (31-16) play Sunday matinee, against the Chicago Bulls (26-19).
Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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