When D'Angelo Russell is engaged, aggressive, and in his bag, the Los Angeles Lakers resemble an entertaining, cohesive basketball team. That was the case on Sunday, as Russell helped the Lakers shake off their worst loss of the season with a stress-free 134-110 victory over the lowly Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena.

Russell finished with 34 points on 14-for-21 shooting, including 6-for-11 from 3, plus eight assists.

“He's just really locked in on his game,” said Darvin Ham. “Tonight was one of the most complete games I've seen him play since he's been back in a Lakers uniform. He was great on defense, great with his activity, great on and off the ball offensively.”

Russell has resembled his 2021 All-Star form since returning from a tailbone injury on Jan. 7. After not registering a 20+ point game in December, Russell has four 20+ point outings and two 30+ point nights over his last six contests (25.8 PPG).

Russell's looseness and pace eased the burden on Anthony Davis (26 minutes) and LeBron James (28 points in 31 minutes) — always welcome in a doldrum game. The outcome vs. Portland was never in doubt.

“You’ve got to be aggressive around these guys,” Russell said. “You know, you complement these guys by being aggressive — not passing to them. Like, that’s easy to guard. You’re easy to guard when it’s like that.”

 

The Lakers benefited from 35 fast-break points, including a season-high 15 from LeBron (pregame, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pointed out, with amazement, that LeBron is nearly atop the NBA in fast-break points despite being its oldest player.) Fittingly, Russell produced the four most memorable.

On a breakaway in the second quarter, Russell bounced a lob up to a trailing James.

“Never thought I'd be able to throw a bounce-pass lob to LeBron James in a game,” admitted Russell. “Things like that just keeps you young, keeps you enjoying the games.”

Related Los Angeles Lakers NewsArticle continues below
Stephen A. Smith blames Lakers' LeBron James for 'negativity' in GOAT debate
Stephen A. Smith blames Lakers’ LeBron James for ‘negativity’ in GOAT debate
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Rich Paul not involved in Lakers’ LeBron James retirement decision

Later, he went UCLA Baron Davis on Malcolm Brogdon, drawing a “that's nasty” expression from James.

“That move in transition was pretty damn good. Faking the behind-the-back to me, wrapped it around to himself and laid it up in transition,” said LeBron. “That was dope.”

 

Russell likes to state that his intention on the court is to “be energy” — a notion imparted to him by Dwyane Wade. Until recently, though, the energy around DLo had been trending negative: He was aloof, lackadaisical, and unproductive, as trade rumors began to swirl. After some honest dialogue with Ham, a return to the starting lineup, and a more aggressive mindset, though, Russell is providing a welcome jolt.

“He's playing free,” said AD. “He's done everything that he's supposed to be doing to help us get wins.”