There was no slowing Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol on Jan. 15, 2010, when the Los Angeles Lakers blasted the Clippers, 126-86. It came just nine days after the Clippers ended a nine-game losing streak to their Staples Center co-tenants.
The margin of victory was the largest for the Lakers of the season, and it was also the most points they’d defeated the Clippers by since the team re-located from San Diego in 1984. Baron Davis, who exchanged words with Derek Fisher, said after the game the Lakers bullied their way to a win.
The Lakers held a mere three-point lead after the first quarter and at halftime. A dominant third quarter, in which they outscored the Clippers, 36-17, created separation in their historic win.
Playing through a sore back and broken finger, Bryant scored 30 points on an efficient 10-for-20 shooting and finished with a game-best +41. He made four of seven 3-point attempts, knocking one down in the third quarter to put the Lakers up 20, and another in the fourth to extend their lead to 100-70.
Meanwhile, Gasol chipped in with 20 points in his return after missing six consecutive games due to injury. Andrew Bynum also had 20 points, and then-Ron Artest scored 10 to give the Lakers four starters in double-figures.
Davis had 14 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon and Craig Smith each tied for the team-high with 17 points. The trio were the only Clippers to score at least 10 points on the night.
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