The Lakers ran off to a comfortable 134-110 win over the Portland Trail Blazers due to electric offensive performances by LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell. The pair shared an incredible highlight together when Russell bounded the ball off the floor for an alley-oop dunk for LeBron.
James complimented Russell’s ball-handling and a behind-the-back wraparound layup highlight after the win.
“His ball-handling is very shifty and very nonchalant, but he’s always trying to keep guys off balance with his game. … That move-in transition was pretty damn good. … That was dope.”
LeBron James credits D’Angelo Russell’s “shifty” ball-handling ability and applauds his wrap-around layup in transition pic.twitter.com/umCTTurEWU
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 22, 2024
Russell ended the night with 34 points and eight assists, while LeBron put up 28 points with five rebounds and five assists. It was a simple night for the Lakers veterans primarily because Russell was carrying the team’s offense without breaking a sweat. The quality of the competition wasn’t as high as many would want, but D’Lo having games like this is important.
Anthony Davis also praised Russell’s contributions after the game.
“He’s playing free. He’s being D-Lo. We know how good of a scorer he is.”
"He's playing free. He's being D-Lo. We know how good of a scorer he is."
– Anthony Davis on D'Angelo Russell
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 22, 2024
He’s averaging 27.2 points and 6.4 assists over the last five games as the Lakers have gone 4-1.
D’Angelo Russell Was Ecstatic To Share A Highlight With LeBron James
One thing that’s easy to forget is that all the current players in the NBA grew up watching LeBron James at the peak of his powers. This includes 9-year veteran Russell, who was in high school when LeBron was playing for the Miami Heat.
After notching a signature highlight with LeBron on the receiving end of a bounce-pass-lob, Russell got frank about how he never expected to do this in a game with LeBron on his team.
D’LO TO LEBRON FOR THE SLAM 😤 https://t.co/H3H9JmTwsa
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 22, 2024
“Never thought I’d be able to throw a bounce pass lob to LeBron James in a game.”
“Never thought I’d be able to throw a bounce pass lob to LeBron James in a game.” D’Angelo Russell speaks on having fun, his high play recently, and staying connected as a team. pic.twitter.com/HpZ2H3Eg8X
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 22, 2024
The pressing question amongst Lakers fans is how much longer will D’Lo be a teammate of James. The pair do have good chemistry together but Russell’s inconsistency has been one of the major reasons behind why the Lakers are 22-22 despite starting the season strong.
Russell has been the primary Laker in trade rumors since the start of the season. When he plays well, the rumors suggest he will be moved for a bonafide third star. When he’s playing badly, rumors suggest the Lakers want to move off him for even a marginal upgrade. It has to be tough playing with these rumors hanging around your neck all the time, especially on a franchise like the Lakers who have traded him once before.
If D’Lo can string together consistent performances without erroneous shooting splits, the Lakers may elect to move other pieces such as Rui Hachimura or Gabe Vincent. There’s even a chance that they stay pat and believe in the group they’ve assembled. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in LA over the next two weeks as the Feb 8 deadline comes closer.
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