Head coach Darvin Ham said that Russell “spearheaded” the Lakers’ offensive assault against the New Orleans Pelicans. Russell played in his first game since the 2024 NBA trade deadline; he missed Thursday’s game against the Denver Nuggets because of a knee injury. In 40 minutes, Russell scored 30 points, the most of which came during an incredible second-quarter run in which he sank four straight three-pointers (as well as two free throws). Los Angeles won 139-122 after scoring 51 points throughout the quarter.
Following the win, the Lakers (28-26) trailed the Pelicans (30-22) by three games for the seventh slot.
As the game progressed, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was joined by another aggressive former Brooklyn Nets guard, Spencer Dinwiddie, who came out of the Crypto.com Arena tunnel. Dinwiddie was led into the Lakers’ locker room following the game.
Following Darvin Ham’s deft dodge of a Dinwiddie inquiry about the scent of brisket coming from the team buffet (yes, really), Russell was questioned about what his running partner from the 2017–19 Nets could bring to the Lakers.
After being dismissed by the Toronto Raptors, Dinwiddie is being pursued by the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Pelinka stated on Thursday that the Lakers are looking to acquire a “ball-handling guard” in the buyout market, citing the uncertainty surrounding Gabe Vincent’s expected comeback date after knee surgery.
Over his career, Dinwiddie, a native of Los Angeles, has averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 assists on.415/.331/.794 shooting splits.
According to Anthony Davis (20 points), “He’s a big guard.” “Shot-maker.” It goes without saying that we have witnessed his impressive plays for Dallas and Brooklyn. He’s a seasoned veteran in this league.
Ironically, Dinwiddie visited the Lakers as a prospect on a night when they were like well-oiled machines. Russell’s ability to create plays drove the Lakers’ sometimes-erratic halfcourt offense right from the start. They hit 15-for-31 from 3-point range, finished with 32 assists against six turnovers, and had all five starters score over 20 points, an NBA record that hadn’t been reached since 1993 (last by the Lakers in 1984).
