Lakers vs. Clippers: Kobe Bryant and Co. Still Own Los Angeles

For the first time in a very long time, a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers meant more to the Lakers then it did to the Clippers.

The Lakers needed it to not only break their three-game losing streak, but they needed to make a big statement.

They did that with a 96-91 win and in the process they showed that they still own Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant did his thing last night and led the Lakers with 24-points.

Pau Gasol was huge with a double-double.

But none of that really mattered.

For the first time in a while the Lakers showed some fight and some passion and they refused to allow the Clippers to come in and walk all over them.

Anyone who thinks that these two teams suddenly don't have a budding rivalry is fooling themselves.

A rivalry brings out a bit of everything and we saw hard fouls and a ton of trash talk, but playing for pride tends to bring something out of a team and it did that to Bryant and the Lakers last night.

In the process, we saw one of the Lakers best efforts of the season. That effort helped the Lakers make their statement loud and clear.

Despite losing to the Clippers twice in the preseason and earlier this month, the Lakers weren't ready to turn control of the city over just yet. Instead, they stood up and fought for it.

The chippiness was there all night and will be there again next time the two teams meet.

This is now a rivalry and the Lakers still own the city of Los Angeles.

The Clippers still have a ways to go before they can take it away.