The Los Angeles Lakers succumbed to the L.A. Clippers' gritty style as they lost the first matchup between Tinseltown's teams, 118-107.

LeBron James and Rajon Rondo missed out on this game due to injuries and their veteran leadership was sorely missed by the team's young core. Outside of their stats, such presence would have benefited the Lakers' cause especially against a tough and gritty Clippers team.

In fact, Luke Walton alluded to the Doc Rivers-coached team's defensive character as something that threw the Lakers out of rhythm, per ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward.

“I think the group that they put in. That tough-minded defensive group is what got us out of our rhythm.”

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Unlike their Staples Center co-tenants, the Clippers, on paper, lack the luster that the Lakers possess. However, they are not to be outdone when it comes to intangibles.

Despite the lack of star power, L.A. more than makes up for it with their depth and toughness. Patrick Beverley and Avery Bradley are bulldogs in the backcourt, while Montrezl Harrell is a boundless source of energy up front.

On the night, the Clippers were led by the scoring barrage of Lou Williams, who poured in a game-high 36 points. Danilo Gallinari backed him up with 19 and Harrell notched 12 markers.

The victory pushed the Clippers to a full-game advantage over the Lakers in the win-loss column.