Lakers 88, Clippers 85

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant gets up close while playing defense on Clippers guard Fred Jones in the first quarter Sunday.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Pau Gasol gets between the Clippers’ Al Thornton, left, and DeAndre Jordan for a layup in the first quarter Sunday.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forward Lamar Odom battles the Clippers’ Fred Jones and Zach Randolph for a rebound in the first quarter Sunday.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forward Trevor Ariza gets inside Clippers forward Al Thornton for a layup in the first quarter Sunday.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers point guard Jordan Farmar drives past a fallen Clippers point guard Baron Davis during the second quarter Sunday.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant makes a move against Clippers guard Baron Davis as forward Zach Randolph moves in to help during the fourth quarter Sunday.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Clippers center Brian Skinner blocks the shot of Lakers forward Lamar Odom in the third quarter. Skinner was called for a foul on the play.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant draws a foul on the double-team defense of Clippers guards Baron Davis and Fred Jones in the fourth quarter Sunday.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Clippers point guard Mike Taylor draws a foul as he tries to prevent Lakers point guard Jordan Farmar from shooting a layup in the third quarter.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Pau Gasol battles Clippers big men Zach Randolph (50) and Brian Skinner for a rebound after Gasol missed a layup in the fourth quarter Sunday.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)