They’re no Kobe stoppers, but Clippers do enough

Trying to defend the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant is nearly impossible, but the Clippers did a pretty good job executing a sound game plan against the NBA’s hottest scorer Wednesday night at Staples Center.

Featuring a variety of defenders that included Cuttino Mobley, Quinton Ross and Corey Maggette, the Clippers did everything they could to keep Bryant guessing in their 90-82 victory. Bryant finished with 29 points, but he had only three assists, missed 21 of 34 field-goal attempts and turned the ball over four times in 45 difficult minutes. Here is a breakdown of Bryant’s offensive game:

First quarter: In previous matchups vs. the Lakers, the Clippers have started Ross -- their defensive stopper -- against Bryant but Wednesday, Coach Mike Dunleavy chose to go with Mobley.

What separates Bryant from other players is his total offensive package. There’s not a position on the court where he can’t hurt a defense. But it was clear early that the Clippers were willing to allow him his points as long as he worked hard for them.

Bryant started off from the left wing and beat Mobley with a pull-up jump shot from above the foul line and later scored with a hesitation drive off the same move. But Mobley did a great job of working his hands and feet and forced Bryant into a couple of poor shots in the quarter.

In 12 minutes, Bryant was three of eight for six points with one assist and one turnover with the Clippers ahead, 28-22.

Second quarter: Ross took over defending Bryant late in the first and remained on him when the Lakers’ leader returned after a brief rest early in the second. It did not take long for Bryant to show a few new tricks.

With the Lakers on the verge of getting blown out, Bryant kept them close by making things happen either with quick moves before the Clippers could double-team him or perimeter jump shots over defenders.

In nine minutes, Bryant was five of nine for 11 points with no assists and one turnover, but the Clippers still led, 57-42.

Third quarter: With Mobley leading the way, the Clippers opened the second half strong against Bryant by taking a more aggressive approach whenever he made a move toward the basket. In back-to-back plays by Mobley and point guard Jason Hart, Bryant was left complaining when he had the ball ripped away for Lakers turnovers.

But Bryant is not the most feared scorer in the league because he gives up easily. Once he realized that calls were not going to come easy, Bryant took his game inside. Taking advantage of the Lakers’ triangle offense, Bryant moved around the floor to keep his points coming and his team within striking distance heading into the final quarter.

In the quarter, Bryant played all 12 minutes and was three for seven for eight points with one assist and two turnovers, and the Clippers led, 75-69, after three.

Fourth quarter: Maggette began the quarter by getting Bryant to miss a deep perimeter shot and a drive to the basket, but then, Bryant had his way against Ross and Mobley, making two highlight baskets to cut into the Lakers’ deficit.

Bryant’s mini-scoring burst triggered a change for the Clippers, who switched to more aggressive double-teams whenever he had the ball. This forced Bryant to rush some shots and in the end, his teammates could not help him overcome the Clippers.

Bryant played all 12 minutes in the quarter, making two of 10 for four points with one assist and no turnovers.

Summary: Like all opponents the Lakers face, the Clippers played an assertive defense against Bryant but the key for their success was that they made sure they didn’t foul him once he got into the key. By not giving him the opportunity for cheap points from the free-throw line, the Clippers were able to force Bryant to work for everything.

lonnie.white@latimes.com