The Los Angeles Lakers are facing an uphill battle to earn an NBA playoff berth after losing to the Clippers on Monday.

The Lakers entered the matchup looking to move back into playoff contention, but fell short 113-105.

Despite a 27-point, eight-rebound and six-assist performance from LeBron James and a triple-double from Rajon Rondo, the Lakers were just outmatched.

Brandon Ingram did not play in the contest because of a shoulder injury.

Danilo Gallinari led the way for the Clippers with 23 points while Lou Williams chipped in 21 of his own.

The Lakers have dropped to 30-34, while the Clippers extended their winning streak to three games and improved to 37-29. The Lakers are now five and a half games behind the eighth-placed San Antonio Spurs.

Randle rises

Julius Randle totalled 30 points and eight rebounds in the New Orleans Pelicans' 115-112 victory over the Utah Jazz.

Kelly Oubre Jr.'s 27 points and 13 rebounds led the Phoenix Suns past the Milwaukee Bucks 114-105.

Nowitzki can't get going

Dirk Nowitzki only managed four points on two-of-13 shooting in the Dallas Mavericks' 127-88 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

Alex Len scored two points on 0-of-six shooting as the Atlanta Hawks fell short to the Miami Heat 114-113.

Tremendous Trier

New York Knicks rookie Allonzo Trier eluded the defense and rushed to the rim for a big slam on the break against the Sacramento Kings.

Anthony Davis finished an alley-oop over Rudy Gobert.

Monday's results

Brooklyn Nets 127-88 Dallas Mavericks
Miami Heat 114-113 Atlanta Hawks
San Antonio Spurs 104-103 Denver Nuggets
Phoenix Suns 114-105 Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans Pelicans 115-112 Utah Jazz
Sacramento Kings 115-108 New York Knicks
Los Angeles Clippers 113-105 Los Angeles Lakers

Celtics at Warriors

Boston have lost five of their last six games and are looking for a quality win. Golden State are the best team in the Western Conference and secured a win against Philadelphia earlier this week. The Celtics need a boost right now, and the Warriors will not be an easy opponent to get one from.