Everything clicked for LA Clippers today, as they soundly beat LA Lakers 97-81. LA Lakers looked beaten for most of the afternoon, and the final outcome was in little doubt. "I thought we came out ready to play, but we were just overmatched," said LA Lakers coach Andreas Helmle. "It's kind of demoralizing to lose that way, knowing that you played your best and it wasn't nearly enough." Andreas Helmle now has the unenviable task of getting his team ready to face another day.

LA Clippers coach Bob couldn't be happier, though. His game plan was executed perfectly, and his players were able to dominate all aspects of the game. "It's great to get a win like this, when everything went according to plan."

LA Clippers was led by Brown (33 points, 7 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Patrick (14 points, 1 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks), Murphy (11 points, 11 boards, 2 assists, a steal). LA Lakers was led by Gavagan (12 points, 10 boards, 0 assists, a steal, a block), Burdette (20 points, 2 blocks), Crandell (9 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a steal, a block).

LA Clippers stand at 53-20. They advance to #1 in the Pacific and advance to #1 overall in the Western Conference. LA Lakers stand at 23-50 and 17-20 at home after this loss. They remain at #4 in the Pacific and remain at #13 overall in the Western Conference.

box score LA Clippers roster LA Lakers* roster