The LA Lakers escaped with a 102-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday when former teammate D’Angelo Russell missed a tightly-contested 3-pointer. Despite playing without several key players, the Nets kept the game close and nearly pulled off an upset. The Lakers threatened to pull away a few times, but their stubborn visitors kept fighting back for the thrilling finish.
LeBron James had seven points and five assists in the fourth quarter to help his team avoid an embarrassing loss. The four-time MVP grabbed the rebound following Russell’s miss to prevent the Nets from having another potential game-winning shot.
James finished the game with 29 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Austin Reaves, who carried the brunt of the scoring load without Anthony Davis, tallied a game-high 38 points with three rebounds and three assists.
D’Angelo Russell did not start but led the Nets with 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Four of his teammates scored at least 10 points to give the Lakers a scare before bowing out.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
Brooklyn Nets vs LA Lakers player stats and box score
Brooklyn Nets player stats and box score
LA Lakers player stats and box score
Brooklyn Nets vs LA Lakers Game Summary
The Brooklyn Nets continued a brutal West Coast swing with a matchup against the LA Lakers on Friday. Brooklyn hoped to bounce back following a humiliating 126-67 loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday. They headed into the game against the Lakers minus key players, including Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas and De’Anthony Melton.
The road-weary and injury-ravaged Nets kept within striking distance of the Lakers, who held out Anthony Davis. Keon Johnson, Jalen Wilson and former Laker D’Angelo Russell gave the visitors a big lift.
LeBron James had nine points and two assists to lead the Lakers. James banked a 3-pointer at the first-quarter buzzer to give LA a 24-23 lead. Austin Reaves contributed four points and two assists.
Reaves improved his impact in the second quarter, scattering 12 points to carry the offensive load. He finished the first half with 16 points, two steals and one assist. James added 13 points, two rebounds and two assists. LA carried a 51-45 lead at halftime.
Brooklyn leaned on a balanced attack led by Russell, who had seven points in the first half. Six other Nets players had at least six points to prevent the Lakers from running away.
The third quarter featured little offensive rhythm as the Nets and the Lakers engaged in a defensive slugfest. LeBron James and Austin Reaves combined for 13 points and three assists to carry LA.
The fourth quarter was another back-and-forth battle that ended with a missed D'Angelo Russell 3-pointer. LA survived for a 102-101 win.
Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.