Los Angeles Clippers Team Report - December 12

(Basketball News) - In the battle of Los Angeles on Saturday, the Clippers came out on the losing end, as they dropped an 89-87 decision to the Lakers at the Staples Center.

Corey Maggette’s 27 points paced the Clippers, while Mikki Moore added 18 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

The Lakers led 75-70 early in the fourth quarter. But the Clippers reeled off nine straight points, capped by a Bobby Simmons jumper with 8:50 left, to go up 79-75.

The Lakers answered with a 9-1 burst, led by seven from Bryant, to go back in front 84-80 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the contest. The Clippers crept within one on a Simmons three-pointer, but could not pull even with the Lakers.

The Clippers missed their final three shots, including the game’s last, a Maggette runner that went in-and-out as time expired. His attempt would have sent the game into overtime.

Eltom Brand missed the game while serving a one-game suspension for pushing Charlotte’s Emeka Okafor during a game on Monday.

LA will return to action on Monday versus the Boston Celtics.