Los Angeles, CA – Kobe Bryant netted 24 points to go with 91 in the second round of the battle of Los Angeles at Staples Center.
Pau Gasol contributed a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds and Andrew Bynum had 19 points and six rebounds for the Lakers, who have now beaten the Clippers nine consecutive times as the host.
Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Caron Butler and Mo Williams chipped in with 16 points apiece. DeAndre Jordan added 11 points and five rebounds for the Clippers, who lost for just the fourth time in their last 12 contests.
Chris Paul returned to action after missing five games with a hamstring injury and contributed 12 assists and four points.
