Russell scores 39 as Lakers beat Nets 107-101
D'Angelo Russell scored a career-high 39 points (24 on 8 3-pointers), and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Brooklyn Nets 107-101 to end an 8-game losing streak.
The Lakers took control with a 21-9 run bridging the first and second quarters and led by as many as 12.
The Nets got within 95-94 on Thaddeus Young’s driving dunk with 1:50 to play, but Jordan Clarkson answered with a layup, and the Nets got no closer.
Brandon Bass’ free throw with 23.3 seconds left made it 104-99 and put it away.
During clutch time, the Lakers outscored the Nets 12-4. Russell scored 8 of the Lakers’ 12 on 2 for 2 shooting and 2 for 2 at the line. Early in the fourth quarter, Thomas Robinson had 3 steals in 49 seconds, and the Nets scored 2 points off them.
Russell scored 16 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter.
For the Nets, Brook Lopez scored 23 points (18 in the paint).
The Lakers shot 49.4% from the field and 42.3% from 3 to the Nets’ 43.8% and 27.8%. Lopez fouled out.