Lakers Rebound from Brooklyn Loss, Crush Trail Blazers 134-110 Behind D’Angelo Russell’s Scoring Barrage
Los Angeles, CA – January 15, 2024: The Los Angeles Lakers, still reeling from their surprising defeat against the Brooklyn Nets two nights prior, responded with a resounding 134-110 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
D’Angelo Russell Leads the Charge
Point guard D’Angelo Russell continued his torrid scoring streak, exploding for a game-high 34 points and dishing out eight assists to help the Lakers even their record at 22-22. Russell, who regained his starting role last weekend against Utah after a cold-shooting December, has been on fire ever since, averaging 27.2 points and 6.4 assists while shooting an impressive 54% from three-point range.
Against Portland, Russell showcased his offensive prowess, draining six of his 11 three-point attempts and adding a pair of highlight-reel plays on the fastbreak. In one instance, he faked a behind-the-back pass to LeBron James, fooling Malcolm Brogdon and gliding to an easy layup. Earlier in the game, he and James found themselves alone after a turnover, and Russell unselfishly bounced the ball off the court for James to grab in mid-air and throw down a thunderous dunk.
Russell’s Resurgence After Trade Rumors
Russell’s recent resurgence comes after a tumultuous period where he was the subject of trade rumors leading up to the NBA’s February 8th trade deadline. However, the 27-year-old guard revealed that he gained a fresh perspective after missing a week earlier this month due to a bruised tailbone.
“Just attack, attack, attack,” Russell emphasized. “When I was out, I got to see what I was missing, where I was missing, so [I’m] trying to find ways to just continue to capitalize and be myself.”
James Praises Russell’s Aggressiveness
LeBron James, who contributed 28 points in the win over Portland, lauded Russell’s recent aggressive approach.
“Just being aggressive, looking for his shot. We continue to find try to find him, especially in transition,” James said. “He’s just shooting at a high clip right now. It’s definitely really good for our offense.”
Lakers Dominate Fastbreak Points
The Lakers’ victory was fueled by their dominance in fastbreak points, scoring a season-high 35 compared to Portland’s meager eight. This tempo-pushing style of play was a stark contrast to their previous game against Brooklyn, where they squandered a 12-point lead in the first half and ultimately lost by 18 points.
Davis Rests in Fourth Quarter as Lakers Secure Win
Anthony Davis had a relatively quiet outing, finishing with 14 points and 14 rebounds, but he was content with the Lakers’ victory and the opportunity to rest in the entire fourth quarter.
Brogdon Leads Trail Blazers’ Scoring
Malcolm Brogdon paced the Trail Blazers with 23 points and nine assists, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Lakers’ offensive firepower. Portland’s loss dropped their record to 12-30.
Lakers Improve Home Record, Prepare for Clippers Clash
The Lakers improved to 5-4 at home this month, taking advantage of a light travel schedule. While their overall record may not be what they envisioned, they are determined to secure every win possible. Their next challenge is an in-city rivalry matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.
Call to Action: Don’t miss the Lakers’ next home game as they take on the Clippers in a heated rivalry clash. Get your tickets now and witness the electric atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena.