<p>LOS ANGELES — Paul George led seven players in double figures with 24 points and the Los Angeles Clippers routed a Lakers team minus LeBron James 118-94 on Thursday night, moving into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference playoff race.</p>
<p>The loss kept the defending NBA champion Lakers at No. 6. The Staples Center co-tenants could potentially face each other in the first round.</p>
<p>The Lakers have lost four of five, with six games remaining in the regular season. The only thing they’ve clinched so far is a spot in the new play-in tournament, which James has derided. Still dealing with a high ankle sprain, he will be out again Friday night for a pivotal game at Portland. That season series is tied at one.</p>
<p>Kawhi Leonard had 15 points, eight rebounds and six asssists, and Ivica Zubac added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Clippers, who have already clinched a playoff berth for the ninth time in 10 years. They’ve won two straight after dropping three in a row.</p>
<p>Kyle Kuzma led the injury-plagued Lakers with 25 points. Anthony Davis, bothered lately by a right calf strain, was limited to four points on 2-of-9 shooting in nine minutes. </p>
<p>The Clippers shot 63% in the first half, when they led by 24 points. The Lakers’ only lead came when Davis scored the game’s first basket.</p>
<p>The Lakers got within four early in the second quarter, but the Clippers responded by scoring 11 straight to restore a double-digit lead that stretched to 65-42 at halftime. DeMarcus Cousins had nine of his 11 points in the second, hitting a 3-pointer and getting a steal and dunk as part of an 8-0 spurt.</p>
<p>The Lakers outscored the Clippers 29-27 in the third, but couldn’t make a serious dent in the deficit. Kuzma’s 3-pointer drew them within 17 early in the period, when Andre Drummond picked up his fourth and fifth fouls. </p>
<p>Kuzma played part of fourth with the Lakers’ second unit, which scored all of the team’s 23 points in the period.</p>
<p>The Clippers were better on the boards (47-34) and at the free throw line, making 23 of 26. The Lakers hit 18 of 29.</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Lakers: Alex Caruso had eight points and seven assists in his second start of the season at guard. … Talen Horton-Tucker (right calf strain) sat out and will be out Friday, too. … Also missing the game was Dennis Schröder (health and safety protocols). … It’s possible Jared Dudley, out since March 15 with a right MCL tear, could still play this season. He has returned to the court.</p>
<p>Clippers: Swept the season series, winning by seven, 18 and 24 points. … Made just two 3-pointers in the second half. … Amir Coffey remained out due to health and safety protocols. </p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Lakers: Visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday in the second game of a back-to-back.</p>
<p>Clippers: Host the New York Knicks on Sunday.</p>
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