Clippers Come From Behind to Beat Lakers, 111-106, in Christmas Day Showdown
Even though the ending was the same, they upgraded the cast, and rewrote the plot, as the Los Angeles Clippers came from behind to defeat the rival Los Angeles Lakers, 111-106 on Christmas Day.
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Los Angeles Lakers Kyle Kuzma and LeBron James discuss their 111-106 loss to Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas Day at Staples Center.
Most of the time sequels are not as good as the original.
That was not the case when the Clippers and Lakers renewed their LA rivalry on Christmas Day.
For the second time this season, the Los Angeles Clippers proved to be the more clutch and resilient team when the game matters the most, as they erased a double-digit deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, 111-106, in the NBA's Marquee matchup on Christmas Day.
Even though the ending might have been the same as the original, the sequel was anything but the same story as their first matchup on Opening Night. With an upgraded cast of characters and a new plot twist, the Clippers needed every second of the 48-minute matchup to erase a 15-point deficit and steal Christmas from the Lake Show.
"They wanted it more," said forward Anthony Davis after the loss. "We had a lot of mistakes down at the end of the game, mental mistakes at both ends of the floor. We fouled a lot in the fourth quarter, put them to the line. … We gave that one away."
Anthony Davis shakes hands with Flea prior to a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Mark Wahlberg attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Celtics legend Bill Russell wears a Kobe Bryant Jersey to a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
(L-R) Byron Allen, Chris Tucker and Bubba Watson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
(L-R) Dana White, Paige Butcher, Eddie Murphy and Jeffrey Katzenberg attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
JoJo Siwa attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Jake Gyllenhaal attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on February 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Yasiel Puig, Irv Bauman, Lisa Parigi and Lionel Richie attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on February 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Usher attends the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers game at Staples Center on January 31, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Adam Sandler attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on February 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau attends the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
Rapper Young Thug (R) talks to JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers after the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
Mattias Ferrell and his father actor Will Ferrell attend the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Jack Nicholson (L) and Ray Nicholson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Dwight Howard (L) talks to Metta World Peace during halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Kane Brown and Katelyn Jae attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Comedians, Michael Che and Hannibal Buress attend the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers on January 7, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers lands on Kevin Hart at the end of the first half of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers as his kids Heaven Hart and Hendrix Hart and wife Eniko Parrish look on at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
aTrevor Noah (C) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Actor/Comedian Kevin Hart attends the game between the LA Clippers and /the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Recording artist The Weekend attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Anthony Kiedis attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Tyrese Gibson and Idris Elba attend Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
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Holly Sonders, Vegas Dave and Ray Nicholson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Behati Prinsloo (L) and Whitney Hartley Wagner attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Singer Lizzo (C) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Malcolm Washington (L) and Denzel Washington attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Musician Flea and Melody Ehsani attend the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton attend the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA legend, Kobe Bryant high five before the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives NBA Legend Kobe Bryant during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks on November 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Vegas Dave, Shawn Lameh, Eniko Hart, Kevin Hart and Jeffrey Katzenberg attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Quavo, Vegas Dave and Shawn Lameh during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Melvin Gordon #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers attends the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Sportscaster Erin Andrews (R) and Jarret Stoll attend the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Actress Kate Beckinsale and Jonathan Voluck attend the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Melissa Forde and Rihanna attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz at the at Staples Center on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Soccer Player, David Beckham, and Romeo Beckham attend the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies on October 27, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Jerry Lorenzo (L) and his son attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Fat Joe (L) and Vegas Dave attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Adam Levine attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Jimmy Iovine attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: (l-R) Rich the Kid, Lil Pump, RD Whittington and Travis Barker attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on October 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Designer, Jerry Lorenzo attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Musician, Flea attends the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Rapper, Casanova attends the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Actor James Corden attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, talks with rapper 2 Chainz after the Lakers' NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won 115-99. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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David Beckham attends a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Disha Patani watches the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers during a 123-120 win at Staples Center on January 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 21: Snoop Dogg and manager Big Percy courtside before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Ron Howard, left, and Clint Howard attend an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks Friday, March 1, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: Model Kendall Jenner and agent Rich Paul during a timeout in the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Actor Kevin Hart, left, shakes hands with actor Leonardo DiCaprio during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. The 76ers won 121-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Ashton Kutcher watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Rami Malek, center, and Lucy Boynton sit courtside during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Kendall Jenner watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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New York Giants football player Odell Beckham Jr. watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actors Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Mahershala Ali, left, watches an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Boxer Manny Pacquiao smiles as he attends an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Actress Kate Beckinsale watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Television personality Khloe Kardashian watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Los Angeles Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss, left, and actor Arsenio Hall laugh during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Jeanie Buss, left, controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, talks with director Spike Lee before an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the New York Knicks on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actresses Jessica Alba, left, and Gabrielle Union pose for a photo before the start of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Rapper Future during the game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Adam Sandler shakes hands with fans as he leaves after watching an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 121-113. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Singer Lionel Richie, right, sits with movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Denzel Washington, left, talks with Magic Johnson, right, and Denzel's wife, Pauletta, during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 114-110. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Odell Beckham Jr. courtside during the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Jack Nicholson attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jonah Hill and Na-kel Smith attend a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Kendall Jenner attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Houston rapper Travis Scott attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Kate Beckinsale attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Singer Geri Horner, also known as Ginger Spice, center, sits with her husband, Christian Horner, right, and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Spurs won 143-142. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Rapper Nipsey Hussle shakes hands with Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles.
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Actor George Lopez attends the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Jack Nicholson sits courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Jack Nicholson is seen courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jack Black and Will Ferrell attend a Los Angeles Lakers game in this undated photo.
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Actress Lauren Graham (L) and model Cindy Crawford attend the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actress Lauren Graham (R) and friend attend the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (R) plays with Vanessa Bryant's daughter at the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Dustin Hoffman attends the playoff game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles on April 28, 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta attend the playoff game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles on April 28, 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Adam Sandler attends Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 11, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actors Adam Sandler (L) and David Spade attend Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 11, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Sidney Poitier attends Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 31, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake smile from their courtside seats during the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Luke Wilson (L) and Pete Sampras (R) attend the Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets game at Staples Center on May 6, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
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Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyonce attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks on February 24, 2010 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
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Actor Sylvester Stallone attends the NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
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Actress Lindsay Lohan attends the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 109-87.
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Actor Mark Wahlberg and his son Michael Wahlberg smile courtside during the game against the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Camilla Belle attends the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on April 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
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Soccer star David Beckham and his son Romeo Beckham smile courtside during the game against the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Actress January Jones sits courtside during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on May 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Will Ferrell (L) and John C. Reilly attend the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on May 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
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Actor Will Ferrell shouts during the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Michael B. Jordan attends the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Heaven Hart, Hendrix Hart, Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Kawhi Leonard perfectly played the role of the Grinch, as he scored 35 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, stunning the sold out Staples Center crowd with 11 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Clippers to victory.
"Whatever it takes to win," said Leonard. "I was able to get to my spots on the floor. We stayed composed. We kept fighting, and we were able to get the win. Playing on Christmas it was fun."
The Clippers trailed by 12 points at halftime, and by 15 points in the third quarter. Thanks to Leonard, and some tenacious defense by point guard Patrick Beverly, the Clippers closed the game out on a 17-5 run to steal the win from their co-tenants.
"That's what Pat does. He makes hustle plays," said Clippers' head coach Doc Rivers. "You don't know where they're going to come from. It's not coached. It's just Pat being Pat."
LeBron James returned from a one-game absence with a muscle strain, and nearly had triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.
"You get the opportunity to play the game you love on Christmas Day in front of the world," said James of his performance in the loss. "You just try and live in the moment. It won't last forever, that's for sure. You live in the moment and don't ever take it for granted."
Unlike their first meeting on NBA Opening Night, both teams
had their full complement of players for the rematch.
Paul George, who missed the first game with a shoulder injury, scored 17 points in his first taste of the "Battle for LA" rivalry.
"It's two-for-two in terms of intensity," George said of the game. "I think it doesn't get any better than this with this matchup. It's what it's going to come down to, I think, at the end of the day."
Kyle Kuzma, also missed the first matchup with an injury, but led the Lakers on Christmas with 25 points off the bench.
"We just beat ourselves, plain and simple," said Kuzma. "Credit to the Clippers for making shots on a stretch but we ourselves. We let them get back in the game after we had that lead, and it bit us at the end."
For the second straight game against the Clippers, the Lakers jumped out to an early double-digit only to let it slip away in the second half.
Kuzma and Kawhi lit up the Christmas tree in the first quarter scoring 15 and 14 to lead their teams respectively. Kuzma's 15 points came in just five minutes of action.
"This is what it looks like when I'm healthy," said Kuzma of his scoring. "I'm confident in my body. I've been hurt all year. This is the best I've felt and my play the last few games has reflected it."
The Clippers led 109-106 with 3.1 seconds remaining when Beverly knocked the ball away from LeBron James and out of bounds. At first, the referees ruled it was Lakers ball, but after a replay review, the ball touched James' fingers last and the call was reversed to Clippers ball.
"It was big," said Leonard of Beverly's play on James. "Bron was stepping back, trying to shoot a three to tie the game. Beverly being able to get a hand on the ball and get us the possession, it was pretty much the game-winning play."
Anthony Davis had 24 points in the loss, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 13 for the Lakers who have now lost four consecutive games.
The Clippers outrebounded the Lakers 50-to-42, and shot 36
percent from beyond the arc, compared to just 26 percent for the Lakers.
The game was tied ten different times, and featured 16 lead
changes.
The Clippers lead the best-of-four season series 2-0, after winning the opener 112-102 two months ago.
Despite the loss, the Lakers still hold the NBA record with the most wins on Christmas Day with 23 and have played in an NBA-best 22 consecutive Christmas Day games.
Leonard's 35 points were the most by a Clippers' player on Christmas Day, but LeBron James holds the active record for most points on Christmas with 344. Kobe Bryant still owns the all-time record with 395.
