LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Los Angeles Clippers took full advantage of the injury absence of LeBron James on Tuesday to score a 127-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and James Harden added 23 as the Clippers’ impressive recent form continued with a third straight victory.
Former Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook was among six Clippers players to reach double figures in a balanced offensive performance by Tyronn Lue’s side.
The Lakers, who are missing James due to a sore ankle, were led by D’Angelo Russell with 27 points while Anthony Davis finished with 26.
After briefly trailing early in the first quarter, the Clippers maintained control, leading by 16 points just before halftime and successfully keeping the Lakers at arm’s length for most of the game.
Although the Lakers got to within two points midway through the fourth quarter, the Clippers tightened their defense and pulled away late in the game.
“For us we’re taking it day by day,” Westbrook said afterwards.
“We’ve got so much talent, so many great Hall-of-Famers in this locker room and our job is to make sure that every night we keep chipping away.”
