D’Angelo Russell has become maybe the most crucial player for the Los Angeles Lakers and their playoff ascent, a month after he was the focus of trade speculations.
In the Lakers’ 123-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, Russell had a huge game with 44 points on 17 of 25 shots (9 of 12 from three-point range), nine rebounds, and six assists.
LeBron James, who is recovering from an ankle ailment, was not in the game for Los Angeles. When he is not playing, the Lakers are currently 5-4 this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in 39 minutes, but Russell’s heroics stole the show. With 28 points and 12 assists, Damian Lillard recorded his first double-double since February 23. Of the team’s 27 points in the fourth quarter, Russell scored 21 of them.
Since Kobe Bryant’s last game, he is the first Lakers player to score that many points in the fourth quarter. Russell gave one of the season’s best statements when he spoke to media following his memorable performance, explaining how his previous adversity had influenced his performances this year: Although their feelings for Russell are erratic, Lakers supporters are undoubtedly grateful for what he’s accomplishing for the club at the moment.
Numerous individuals were inspired to mention Bryant after this match. Russell has averaged 21.6 points on 45.0 percent three-point shooting and 6.3 assists per game in 12 starts since the deadline passed on February 8. In that period, he has made at least four three-pointers six times and scored at least 20 points seven times.
With victories over the Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers have an 8-4 record in their previous 12 games. With a 35-30 record and four games behind the Sacramento Kings (36-26) for the seventh slot in the Western Conference, they are still in the running for a play-in spot as the No. 9 seed.
