Lakers vs. Clippers final score: Lakers fall short in 118-111 loss

The Los Angeles Lakers fought, but it wasn't enough as the Los Angeles Clippers clawed back in the fourth quarter in a 118-111 loss. The Lakers were outscored 32-21 in the final frame, unable to come up with enough stops or scoring opportunities to outpace the Clippers.

Jamal Crawford repeatedly drained off-balance, crowded shots as he has throughout his career, bailing out a Clippers' offense that wasn't running smoothly. He hit a huge three-point shot in the final minutes to take control of the game. Blake Griffin had a monster night for the Clippers, scoring a career-best 39 points against the Lakers. He also hit both of his free-throws in the final 30 seconds of the game to push the Clippers' lead to three and seal the game.

Kobe Bryant had a throwback night, putting on a show through the first half. He finished the night with 21 points on 6-of-15 shooting, but couldn't deliver on sealing the game to hold off the Clippers in the fourth. Vintage Mamba was on full display, though, which was a great sign:

Jordan Hill had a brilliant game, draining mid-range jumpers left and right and  putting on a performance that will be remembered as the "Jordan Hill shrug game." He finished the night with 23 points, taking advantage of a Clippers' defense that elected to ignore him from outside the paint. Jeremy Lin was much more aggressive and in-control of the game, as Kobe Bryant and Byron Scott implored him to do after the loss to the Suns. Lin's final line was 17 points on 9-of-13 shooting, along with nine assists and four rebounds.

The Lakers are back in action Saturday night as they hit the road to play the Golden State Warriors.