Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers 1/4/13: Video Highlights and Recap

The Los Angeles Clippers knocked off the Los Angeles Lakers in the Battle of L.A. on Friday night by a score of 107-102.

The Lakers closed the gap to two points with about one minute left to play. Dwight Howard then fouled out on a drive by Chris Paul on the Clippers' next possession.

After nailing the ensuing foul shots and giving the Clips a four-point lead, Paul sealed the win with a step-back jumper in the face of Kobe Bryant.

Bryant started the night of big plays by stealing a Paul pass, taking it the distance and throwing it down right over the retreating Paul. But it was Paul and the Clippers that got the last laugh.

The dynamic point guard added seven dimes in the first quarter and 11 by halftime to help fuel the Clippers to multiple double-digit leads throughout the contest.

Bryant and the Lakers refused to go quietly, but ultimately didn’t have enough firepower to close the gap and get back on top.

A 7-0 run in the middle of the third quarter brought the Lakers within three points. The Clippers bounced back quickly to build another 12-point just two minutes later.

Bryant finished as the high scorer with 38 points. Dwight Howard added 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers in the loss.

Paul dropped in 30 points, 13 dimes and six boards while Blake Griffin added another 24 for the Clippers.

Player of the Game: Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

Paul had 11 assists in the first half and was crisp in his facilitation of the Clippers’ half-court offense. His ability to penetrate helped the team's offense by forcing defenders to shift to help out. Paul made them pay by involving his teammates heavily throughout the game.

He finished with 30 points, including the team's final eight points to seal the win. 

Up Next for Lakers

The Lakers will get the day off on Saturday and then host the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center on Sunday night. Denver got the better of the Lakers the last time they met on Dec. 26, winning a high-scoring affair, 126-114.

Up Next for Clippers

The Clippers will host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night in a rematch from Jan. 2. Golden State has won four straight games, its most recent the victory over the Clippers earlier in the week.