The red-hot Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 112-104 over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center yesterday.

The Lakers have won 14 of 15 games since the All-Star break and now trail Western Conference leading San Antonio by five games following the Spurs 98-96 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Although the Lakers held a 16-point lead in the first quarter and led wire-to-wire, the Clippers stayed in touch throughout to keep the Lakers from feeling comfortable until the final minute.

Holding to a four-point lead with 39 seconds remaining, Ron Artest halted Blake Griffin's drive to the basket with a clean steal and the Lakers closed out the win with the final four points.

Kobe Bryant led the home team with 37 points, Pau Gasol scored 26, Artest added 15 and Andrew Bynum returned from a two-game suspension and had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Mo Williams scored a season-high 30 points, and Griffin added 22, including a couple of spectacular trademark dunks.