Lakers Rout Clippers 106-78

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LOS ANGELES — Luke Walton scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the short-handed Clippers 106-78 Thursday night for their fifth win in six games.

The victory moved the Lakers (54-25) within 1 1/2 games of the Western Conference-leading New Orleans Hornets entering Friday night's showdown between the teams. The Hornets play three of their last four games on the road while the Lakers finish with three at home.

Kobe Bryant scored 16 points, Lamar Odom had 14 points and 13 rebounds and Pau Gasol added 13 points for the Lakers, who blew the game open by outscoring the Clippers 32-11 to finish the third quarter and start the fourth for a 94-67 lead with 6 1/2 minutes left.

Odom was the only Lakers starter to play in the final period. Bryant shot just 6-of-17 and backcourt mate Derek Fisher went 3-of-10. But playing against an outmanned opponent, it didn't matter.

Elton Brand, playing his fifth game after missing the season's first 74 while recovering from surgery on his torn left Achilles' tendon, led the Clippers (23-56) with 23 points and seven rebounds. Rookie Al Thornton added 22 points and 10 rebounds.

The Clippers, who have lost 23 of their last 27 games, played without leading rebounder Chris Kaman (sprained right ankle) and leading scorer Corey Maggette (sprained right hamstring). In addition, Quinton Ross came out for good midway through the second quarter because of soreness in his lower left leg.

The Lakers swept the Clippers for the first time in five years, beating their Staples Center co-tenants by an average of 26 points. The teams split their four games in each of the past three seasons.

The Lakers extended a nine-point halftime lead to 13 early in the third quarter before Brand made two baskets during a 9-2 spurt that drew the Clippers within six. After a timeout, the Lakers began their game-breaking run after that.

Notes:@ The game was played before an announced crowd of 20,084, the Clippers' seventh home sellout this season. ... The Lakers announced earlier Thursday that center Andrew Bynum, who saw a knee specialist in New York this week, has not been cleared for practice. "It's not unexpected," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "I think there's a sense of disappointment. He's been looking good, practicing a little bit." Bynum injured his left knee Jan. 13. Jackson said there was no timetable for 7-foot center's return. ... The Clippers finished 13-28 at home, losing 12 of their last 14. They finish with road games at Golden State, New Orleans and Houston. ... Kansas State freshman standout Michael Beasley attended the game. He is one of five finalists for the Wooden Award, to be presented Friday night. Beasley will announce his future plans Monday at a news conference on the Kansas State campus. He's expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA draft. ... Vladimir Radmanovic scored 11 points and Jordan Farmar had 10 for the Lakers.

(This version corrects Thornton's stats.)

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