In a stunning display of offensive prowess, D’Angelo Russell and LeBron James orchestrated a spectacular performance, combining to score the Los Angeles Lakers’ first 19 points in the fourth quarter, ultimately leading their team to a resounding 134-110 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.
Russell’s finesse was on full display, contributing to the Lakers’ season-high 35 fastbreak points. One particular highlight saw him execute a jaw-dropping fake behind-the-back pass to James, who was streaking alongside him, before effortlessly completing a layin. James, visibly impressed, praised the team’s defensive efforts, emphasizing that fastbreak points are a product of solid defense without fouling.
As James and Russell continued to dominate, the Lakers built a commanding 23-point lead. Russell’s return to the starting lineup five games ago proved pivotal, with the guard displaying assertiveness and a determination to complement the star duo of James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers’ victory was so convincing that James, along with Davis and other starters, sat out the final six minutes of the game. The Trail Blazers, despite boasting offensive firepower, couldn’t withstand the onslaught, and their two-game winning streak came to an end.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Trail Blazers with 23 points and nine assists, supported by Anfernee Simons with 19 points and Jerami Grant with 17. Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged Portland’s potential, stating, “The Trail Blazers have a certain record, but at the end of the day, they’ve still got a lot of firepower over there.”
D’Angelo Russell’s standout performance included 13 points in the third quarter and a season-high-tying six 3-pointers in the game, falling just one point short of his season high with a total of 34 points and eight assists. Coach Ham praised Russell’s focus and commitment, citing the game as one of the guard’s most complete performances since returning to the Lakers.