Lakers Bounce Back, Rout Trail Blazers 134-110, D'Angelo Russell Puts up 34 Points

Friday's embarrassing loss at home to Brooklyn doesn't disappear from the record, but the Lakers were in many ways granted a do-over Sunday, facing a really bad Portland team, once again at the Crypt. This time, they did it right, taking control early and (in a nice twist) not letting the Blazers back in. And certainly not collapsing in the third quarter. As a result, they started the week with a 134-110 win, and got to keep the minutes for LeBron James (31) and Anthony Davis (26:22) delightfully low. Had they just done this on Friday, too, everyone would be feeling good about a Lakers team sitting two games over .500 with a chance to add a few more wins over the next 10 days. Instead, they're back to .500. It beats the alternative, but speaks to the different ways the Lakers have shot themselves in the foot over the course of this season. Sunday, the Lakers got a huge performance from D'Angelo Russell (34 points, eight assists, two blocks, zero turnovers), plus a typically solid LeBron (28/5/5) and Davis (14 points, 14 rebounds. Austin Reaves had 15 points, Cam Reddish returned to the lineup with 10 points. It was a good palate cleanser, one in which the team's defensive pressure put a bad Portland team in really uncomfortable positions and the offense had a pretty easy go. So now it's on to a tough game against the Clippers Tuesday, then back a slate of very winnable games (Chicago, Golden State, Houston, Atlanta), now on the road instead of home. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers thump Portland behind 34 from Russell. SEGMENT 2: D'Lo seems intent on making the choice to trade him harder. SEGMENT 3: More lineup shuffling on Sunday. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Grammarly When it comes to writing, Grammarly is there to support you from start to finish. With one click, you can easily and easily brainstorm, rewrite, and reply with suggestions based on your context and goals. Go to grammarly.com/PODCAST to download for FREE today.  Hungryroot Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Just go to Hungryroot.com/LOCKEDON, to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies.  LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED when you place a FIVE DOLLAR BET. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices