Russell and James dominate as Lakers rout Trail Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers showed no mercy to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, as they cruised to a 134-110 victory at the Staples Center. D'Angelo Russell and LeBron James combined for 62 points, leading the Lakers to their third win in four games and bringing them back to a .500 record.

Russell's return to form

Russell, who returned to the starting lineup five games ago, had one of his best performances of the season, scoring 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including six 3-pointers. He also had eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals, while showing off his chemistry with James.

Russell and James scored the Lakers' first 19 points of the fourth quarter, extending their lead from 13 to 23 points. Russell dazzled the crowd with a fake behind-the-back pass to James on a fastbreak layup, drawing praise from his teammate.

"That was dope," James said. "The only way to get fastbreak points is to defend, defend without fouling, and we did that."

Russell, who was traded by the Lakers in 2017 and re-signed with them last summer, said he was determined to complement James and Anthony Davis by being assertive.

"He's been aggressive looking for his shot and we continue to try to find him, especially in transition," James said. "Tonight was one of the most complete games I've seen him play since he's been back in a Laker uniform."

James' leadership and versatility

James, who turned 39 last month, showed no signs of slowing down, as he added 28 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks to his impressive resume. He also played multiple positions, switching from point guard to center, depending on the matchups.

James said he was willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, even if it meant playing out of his comfort zone.

"I've always been a team-first guy, and I'll do whatever the coach asks me to do," James said. "If he wants me to play the five, I'll play the five. If he wants me to play the one, I'll play the one. I just want to win."

James also praised the contributions of the bench players, especially rookie Austin Reaves, who scored 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including three 3-pointers.

"He's a gamer, he's not afraid of the moment," James said of Reaves. "He's always ready when his number is called, and he's been a great addition to our team."

Trail Blazers' struggles continue

The Trail Blazers, who had won their previous two games, could not keep up with the Lakers' firepower, as they fell to 14-30, the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Malcolm Brogdon led the team with 23 points and nine assists, while Anfernee Simons added 19 points off the bench.

However, the Trail Blazers were outrebounded 54-38, outscored 35-18 on fastbreak points, and allowed the Lakers to shoot 52.9% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc.

Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said he was disappointed with the team's defensive effort and intensity, especially in the second half.

"We didn't play with enough urgency, we didn't play with enough physicality, we didn't play with enough pride," Billups said. "We let them get whatever they wanted, and they made us pay."

The Trail Blazers will try to bounce back on Tuesday, when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Lakers will face their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, in the same arena.