D’Angelo Russell scored 28 points, and LeBron James added 24 as the Los Angeles Lakers secured their fourth straight win, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-97 on Saturday. With this victory, the Lakers moved into the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings.
Anthony Davis contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds to the Lakers’ win, marking their ninth victory in the last ten games. Despite their recent success, the Lakers are still aiming to solidify their playoff position, potentially avoiding the play-in tournament by finishing seventh or eighth.
“We’re very confident in our team,” said Davis, highlighting the competitive nature of the Western Conference. “We’ve been performing well, but it’s tough due to the strength of our conference.”
This marks the first time since December 29 that the Lakers have held the eighth spot in the conference standings. However, coach Darvin Ham emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum heading into the postseason, rather than focusing solely on seeding.
“We need to continue improving individually and collectively,” Ham stated. “Our goal is to play at a high level on both ends of the court.”
Cleveland’s Darius Garland led his team with 26 points, while Caris LeVert contributed 21 points off the bench. Despite their efforts, the Cavaliers have faced challenges recently, losing two consecutive games and three of their last four.
Russell played a significant role for the Lakers, hitting six 3-pointers, including five in the first half. LeBron James, with his extensive experience against his former team, showcased his skills with impressive plays, including alley-oop dunks.
In the third quarter, Anthony Davis led a crucial 19-0 run, helping the Lakers regain control after a brief lead by the Cavaliers. Los Angeles dominated early in the second quarter with a 24-4 run, establishing a 16-point lead before Cleveland narrowed the gap to 65-56 by halftime.
Despite a strong start to the second half by Cleveland, the Lakers’ defensive efforts and offensive prowess secured their victory.
