Don’t count them out yet.
In a 120-102 blowout win over the Pelicans on Wednesday, the Lakers (27-32) debuted a fresh starting lineup. Recently acquired point guard D’Angelo Russell, shooting guard Malik Beasley and power forward Jarred Vanderbilt tipped off alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For the first time this season, the Lake Show looked alive.
Davis led the Lakers with 28 points and 10 rebounds, but Russell — the replacement for Russell Westbrook — proved an excellent fit for the struggling team. The 26-year-old is a deep threat with elite playmaking abilities that open the court for scoring opportunities.
Russell tallied 21 points, seven assists and made only one turnover. He has career-high percentages for field goals (46.4), three-pointers (39) and free throws made (85) this season, according to ESPN.
