Things weren't looking good for the Lakers entering their game against the Blazers on Sunday.
The team was on a three-game losing streak and with LeBron James out, a loss seemed more likely, even though Portland entered this contest with an 8-15 record.
The Lakers, however, found a way to win and snapped their losing streak thanks to impressive performances by Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell.
The trio led the team in scoring and minutes played. They helped put the game away for good in the fourth, starting the frame on an 11-4 run.
After the win, AD mentioned how important Hachimura and Russell were to success, especially with LeBron out.
"I mean, next man up," AD said. "That's why we have a team, other guys had to step up. Rui stepped up. D'Lo stepped up. Guys know how to step up when we have a guy like Bron out. The guys took on a challenge tonight. Even though it was a last-minute scratch, this is what guys prepare for. Some guys got a chance to come in and play in a little bit more minutes than they probably normally would have and they did what they were supposed to do to. It was a team effort."
Russell is a polarizing player among fans, but his ability to run the offense and facilitate the ball was desperately needed in this game. He ended the night with 28 points and a team-high 14 assists.
He didn't start, but the original five players JJ Redick began with struggled to score. The Lakers were up 12-10 when D'Lo entered the game midway through the first, but AD was dragging Los Angeles to success, scoring 10 of those points.
Once Russell was in, he loosened up the stiff offense and there was a lot more ball movement and less dependence on AD to put points on the board by himself.
Hachimura also contributed offensively, having one of his best performances of the season. He finished the game with 23 points, five rebounds and three steals.
During his postgame availability, Hachimura also discussed how LeBron's absence was tough to adjust to, but they collectively managed to do so and win.
"We found out right before the game [LeBron would be out]," Hachimura said. "So the coaches told me I had to step up tonight. So I was ready for it and then, as a team, I think we were moving the ball well. D'Lo was great. Of course AD and especially the other guys, Gabe, Max, Cam was very good defensively. That's how we got this [win]."
Roles can change often during an 82-game season and it was good to see Hachimura and Russell step up with LeBron out.
It's unrealistic to expect these numbers from these two regularly, but it's a luxury the Lakers have that this pair can perform at this level when given the opportunity.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that this will not be the last game where the Lakers are shorthanded and need someone besides LeBron and AD to step up.
In case he didn't know before, Redick has witnessed firsthand that Russell and Hachimura can be relied upon to provide scoring and give the Lakers an offensive boost when necessary.
With four days off between games, hopefully, LeBron will be back against the Wolves on Friday and the team can get back to its ideal starting lineup as it attempts to end 2024 on a positive note.
