Clippers survive late surge by Lakers to pick up win on Christmas Day
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, passes over Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant, middle, as guard D'Angelo Russell looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) Credit: AP/ Chris Carlson
LOS ANGELES — Chris Paul scored 23 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 94-84 on Friday night to end a three-game skid.
Kobe Bryant scored 12 points in his league-record 16th and final Christmas Day game. He played 26 minutes and sat out the entire fourth quarter while the Lakers outscored the Clippers 27-9.
J.J. Redick had 14 points and DeAndre Jordan had nine points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers. They have won eight straight against the Lakers and 12 of the last 13 meetings with their Staples Center co-tenants.
Rookie D’Angelo Russell had a team-high 16 points off the bench for the Lakers.
Bryant announced on Nov. 29 that he will retire after this season, his 20th in the NBA. He has a record 395 points on Christmas Day.
