BY: ROBERT MORALES – SPORTS ON AIR USA CORRESPONDENT
LOS ANGELES — With all the trade talks behind him now, D’Angelo Russell can finally just focus on playing basketball.
And that’s exactly what the Lakers point guard did on Friday night when he led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 139-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Crypto.com Arena.
Russell cashed in six triples to finish with 30 points and five assists. LeBron James added 21 points and 14 assists and Anthony Davis chipped in 20 and 8 boards to help Los Angeles improve to 28-26 in the West Conference standings.
This one ended quickly for New Orleans.
Finding their stride early, the Lakers poured 87 first half points to lead 87-74 at the half. They ended up shooting 55.7 percent from the field (49-of-88) and 45.2 percent from three-point territory (14-of-31). The Pelicans, who made only 11 of 29 treys couldn’t catch up.
“I can’t control that my contract makes sense to be traded,” Russell said days leading into the February 8 deadline. I just play. You can’t control that,” he added of the buzz that he could be shipped as the Lakers continue to ride a wave of inconsistent play.
After being taken second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell has had stops i Minnesota, Brooklyn and Golden State before returning in the City of Angels in February 2023.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 30. Bobby Ingram had 22 and CJ McCollum finished with 19.
