Sports

Clippers hold off Lakers 107-102 for 2nd straight win over Staples Center co-tenants

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, and Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace tangle during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, dunks as Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash looks on during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Chris Paul had 30 points and 13 assists, Blake Griffin added 24 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in beating the Lakers 107-102 on Friday night.

Kobe Bryant scored 38 points and Dwight Howard had 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who lost for the second time this season to their Staples Center co-tenants.

Bryant carried the Lakers in the fourth quarter when they closed to 99-97 on his 23-foot jumper with 1:29 left. But Paul scored the Clippers' final eight points to seal the victory and drop the Lakers two games below .500. The Clippers lead the Lakers by 10 games in the standings.

The Clippers had dropped two consecutive road games earlier in the week, when their 17-game winning streak was snapped.