Lakers undone by slow start in loss to rival Clippers

INGLEWOOD, Calif.— If Tuesday’s Grammy trip-opening comeback win over the Nuggets was the Lakers showcasing their ability to climb out of a hole, then Thursday’s 112-104 loss to the Clippers at the Intuit Dome showed that sometimes a hole is too big.For most of the game, it looked like the Lakers were on the path to losing in a way that’s familiar to many of their fans: have a competitive opening few minutes; allow their opponent to get comfortable offensively; and ultimately lose by double digits after letting go of the rope.  But just like they did two nights prior, the Lakers showed some fight and temporarily flipped the script on the Clippers.

But it wasn’t enough.After taking an early 18-14 lead behind strong starts from Luka Dončić (32 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals) and LeBron James (23 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals), the Clippers started to take control when reserve wing Kobe Sander knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers following defensive breakdowns from the Lakers.Though Sanders’ two treys helped ignite a 22-11 run for the Clippers who closed the opening quarter with a 36-29 lead.That early first quarter run extended to a 50-29 advantage for the Clippers who surged to a 64-47 lead at the half.

The halftime break didn’t inspire the Lakers who continued to struggle as the Clippers opened the third with a 13-4 run to take a game-best 26-point lead, 79-53. But the Lakers finally picked it up defensively, cutting the Clippers lead to 86-72 by the end of the third quarter.They ultimately got within just two points midway through the fourth after Dončić hit a fadeaway trey.Nevertheless, they couldn’t didn’t get any closer despite having multiple attempts to change the momentum.

The Lakers, who trailed 110-104 with 24 seconds left, had one last chance but Dončić missed a 3-pointer ending all hope. The Lakers, who fell to 26-17, dropped to No.6 in the Western Conference standings, just percent...