The Clippers have been as good as any team in the NBA over their last 30 games or so, and had already lost to the Lakers twice this season (which makes 'em mad). So with LeBron James on the sidelines thanks to his lingering ankle issue, beating the Clippers on their home floor Tuesday night was a tall order.

They gave it a hearty effort, but ultimately they just couldn't keep up with the Clippers, especially Kawhi Leonard, who posted a triple double (25/11/10). Overall, the Clippers shot 59% from the floor, and six of the nine players who suited up finished in double digits. (One more, Amir Coffey, finished with nine points.) The Lakers worked hard, but just couldn't generate enough stops to pull this one out.

It wasn't a bad game, but broadly it points to larger issues around the team. That big January home stretch is down to one more game, Thursday against Chicago. Then they head out on the road, where they haven't been all that good, whether playing good teams or bad. And once again, they're back below .500.

There were some bright spots, starting with D'Angelo Russell who finished with 27 points and 10 assists. The five turnovers were a real blemish, but overall his solid play continued. Anthony Davis went for 26/12.

But there are no moral victories, and the hill is getting harder for the Lakers to climb as each day passes.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose to the Clippers, despite putting in a game effort.

SEGMENT 2: Russell is making Rob Pelinka's job hard.

SEGMENT 3: More rotation questions. Too much Cam and Vando together? Too little Vando with the first unit?

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