Lakers are reaching a new offensive ceiling with their new (old) starting lineup and rotation
LOS ANGELES — The signs of arguably the Los Angeles Lakers’ best offensive performance of the season were apparent during their first two baskets in Wednesday’s 127-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. But their new starting lineup — featuring multiple shooters, ballhandlers and playmakers next to James and Davis, along with more direction from the coaching staff — has unlocked the group’s offensive ceiling. I’ll never forget it.” Along with Davis, Russell led the second-half surge, scoring 11 points in the third quarter as the Lakers turned the game into a rout with a 42-27 frame. Russell’s ability to score a flurry of points at once — which helped the Lakers win several playoff games during their Western Conference finals run last season — alleviates the offensive burden on James and Davis, allowing them to rest during offensive possessions to focus more on the defensive end. “It’s been great to watch.” The return to the season’s original starting lineup has given the Lakers a clear offensive identity, with that effectively preserving their defense even with lesser personnel on the floor.
Discover Related
Los Angeles faces Dallas, seeks 4th straight win
Cavaliers face the Kings on 3-game win streak
Leonard scores 20 points to help Clippers rout Mavericks 114-91 for 3rd straight win
Stephen Curry scores 36 points as Warriors beat Nuggets 118-104 for fifth straight win
Mitchell, Mobley help Cavaliers beat Spurs 114-113, close within a game of sealing East’s best mark
Vucevic, White, Giddey lead the post-season bound Bulls past the Trail Blazers, 118-113
Green scores 34 as Rockets snap Thunder’s 11-game winning streak with 125-111 victory
Pistons wrap up their first playoff spot since 2018-19 with 117-105 victory over the Raptors
Celtics break NBA season 3s record in 123-103 victory over the Suns
Turner, Siakam power Pacers to 140-112 victory over Jazz
Kings beat Hornets 125-102 to maintain hold on 10th spot in the West
Duke and Houston square off in the Final 4
Warriors play the Nuggets on 4-game win streak
Philadelphia takes on Minnesota, aims to end 10-game skid
Portland takes on Chicago for non-conference showdown
Antetokounmpo’s historic triple-double powers Bucks past 76ers
Morant beats the buzzer for a game-winner, lifts Grizzlies past Heat 110-108
Morant beats the buzzer for a game-winner, lifts Grizzlies past Heat 110-108
NBA: Luka Doncic gifts BTS' J-Hope unreleased sneakers at Lakers game
NBA: LeBron James shakes off injury scare in Lakers' showdown against Warriors
NBA: Jimmy Butler injury scare during Warriors vs Lakers raises concern ahead of playoffs
The NBA’s playoff chase enters its final days. Here’s a look at what’s happening
Miami puts home win streak on the line against Memphis
Dallas plays Los Angeles for conference matchup
Leonard scores 28 points to lead the Clippers past the Pelicans 114-98
Leonard scores 28 points to lead the Clippers past the Pelicans 114-98
Anthony Davis has 34 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 stitches in best game for Mavs
Anthony Davis has 34 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 stitches in best game for Mavs
Barnes and Paul lead Spurs past the short-handed Nuggets 113-106
Barnes and Paul lead Spurs past the short-handed Nuggets 113-106
Anthony Davis overcomes eye injury to lead the Mavericks past the Hawks, 120-118
Anthony Davis overcomes eye injury to lead the Mavericks past the Hawks, 120-118
Jalen Green scores 22 points to lead Rockets to 50th win of the season