D’Angelo Russell erupted for 34 points, with LeBron James chipping in 28, as the Los Angeles Lakers convincingly thrashed the Portland Trail Blazers 134-110 on Sunday night, bringing their win-loss record back to .500.
Austin Reaves contributed 15 points to the Lakers’ cause, while Anthony Davis posted a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, helping the Lakers (22-22) bounce back from a disheartening 18-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets just two nights prior.
In the fourth quarter, Russell and James teamed up to score the Lakers’ initial 19 points, showcasing their dominance. Russell dazzled the crowd with a behind-the-back dribble on a fast break, effortlessly cruising to the basket, while James punctuated the run with a dunk, a three-pointer, and four free throws, building a commanding 23-point lead.
With victory secure, LeBron James opted to sit out the final six minutes of the game, joining Davis and the other starters on the bench.
Malcolm Brogdon led the scoring for Portland with 23 points and nine assists, while Anfernee Simons contributed 19 points, and Jerami Grant added 17, but it wasn’t enough to halt the two-game winning streak of the Western Conference’s second-to-last team.
Russell had a standout performance in the third quarter, notching 13 points, including three crucial 3-pointers, as the Lakers extended their lead from 13 to 22 points. He continued his sharpshooting in the fourth quarter, sinking two more 3-pointers to tie his season-high of six in a game.
Russell concluded the game just one point shy of his season-best 35 points, and he also recorded eight assists in the impressive victory.
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: At Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
Lakers: At the Clippers on Tuesday night.