One month after being the topic of trade reports, D'Angelo Russell has actually become probably the most essential gamer for the Los Angeles Lakers and their mission to make the playoffs.
Russell went off with 44 points on 17-of-25 shooting (9-of-12 from three-point variety), 9 rebounds and 6 helps in the Lakers' 123-122 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Los Angeles was playing without LeBron James, who is nursing an ankle injury. The Lakers are now 5-4 this season when he does not play.
Russell's heroics eclipsed Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double with 34 points, 14 rebounds and 12 helps in 39 minutes. Damian Lillard had his very first double-double given that Feb. 23 with 28 points and 12 helps.
Amongst the lots of highlights for Russell was striking the game-winning shot with 5 seconds staying.
NBA @NBA
D'Angelo Russell WENT OFF for 44 PTS and scored the game-winner to offer the Lakers the edge over the Bucks! > 44 PTS> 9 3PM> 9 AST> 6 REB > ▪ Russell signs up with LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as the only gamers in Laker history with 9 3PM in a video game > pic.twitter.com/HYC2LQOGVx
Russell scored 21 of the group's 27 points in the 4th quarter. He's the very first Lakers gamer to have that numerous points in the 4th quarter considering that Kobe Bryant's last video game.
Jacob Rude @JacobRude
D'Angelo Russell scored 21 points in the 4th quarter. > The last Laker to score more than 21 points in the 4th? Kobe Bryant in his last video game in 2016 when he scored 23.
Talking to press reporters after his renowned efficiency, Russell had among the very best quotes of the season discussing how previous misfortune has actually formed his efficiencies this season:
HoopsHype @hoopshype
“Public embarrassment has actually not done anything however mold me into the killer that y' all see today.” >– D'Angelo Russell after dropping 44 versus Milwaukee > pic.twitter.com/a0kkUUigLU
Lakers fans, who have a cold and hot relationship with Russell, are definitely extremely pleased of what he's providing for the group today. Bryant's name was stimulated by more than someone coming out of this video game.
Ultra @UltraTV90
KOBE BRYANT REGEN?
Ultra @UltraTV90
KOBE IN DISGUISE IM A BELIEVER NOW pic.twitter.com/ld7SuNyk6X
Blake @BushLeagueBlake
D'Angelo Russell was so cash tonight that Kobe lastly forgave him for this pic.twitter.com/bEde4bIvk0
Dan Woike @DanWoikeSports
D'Angelo Russell now the 5th Lakers to have at least 8 3s in 3 various video games. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Nick Van Exel
zengreenyoda @zengreenyoda
Lakers win D'Angelo Russell went Kobe Bryant … he was extraordinary like mamba … I lobbied Jeanie Buss NOT TO TRADE Dlo. He is our draft choice at number 2 … He has actually made his agreement extension. I am really happy with him pic.twitter.com/ezI1ayyuSm
LakeShowYo @LakeShowYo
D'ANGELO RUSSELL PUT THE CITY OF LA ON HIS BACK pic.twitter.com/Re8mhV03FA
