LOS ANGELES — — Anthony Davis had 23 points and 19 rebounds, and D’Angelo Russell set the Lakers record for 3-pointers made in a single season in Los Angeles’ 101-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night.
LeBron James had 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Lakers ended a seven-game losing streak in their matchups against the Sixers. Los Angeles had not beaten Philadelphia since March 3, 2020.
James scored 11 points and Davis added nine in the fourth quarter, using their size and resilience to overcome a tough Philadelphia effort. Neither team led by double digits all night, and the Lakers committed 21 turnovers in their weakest performance since January 3.
“Ugly, but we got the job done,” James said. “We defended (well) in the second half. They only had 18 (points) in the fourth. This is an important moment when the offense was struggling like it was. … We turned the ball over too much and gave up too easy baskets, but when we got to half court we buckled down and made them take tough shots.
Russell surpassed the 3-point record set by Nick Van Exel during the 1994-95 season when he hit his 184th midway through the first quarter. Russell finished with 14 points and four 3-pointers for the Lakers, who held on for their seventh win in 11 games after having three days off since their victory over Atlanta on Monday.
“It feels good to be part of one of these types of deals,” Russell said. “This franchise is one of the most prestigious, so for my name to be part of it is more than grateful. Just keep breaking it, if I can. Make it really difficult for the next person.
Los Angeles looked rusty offensively in its return, with poor shooting and typical Philly physical defense combining to make it a long night. Neither team led by more than seven points until James hit his first 3-pointer of the night with 2:11 to play.
“I thought we played incredibly hard (and) executed the game plan,” Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said. “I just thought we couldn’t be offensive enough to hold on. …As long as we play with our guts, I can live with it. I’m having a hard time living with that right now because I thought we played so hard and executed so well.
Tyrese Maxey scored 22 of his 27 points in the second half for the Sixers, who lost seven of 10 in the extended absence of MVP Joel Embiid. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 19 points and Tobias Harris had 16 points and 13 rebounds in his return from a three-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. Philadelphia is now 0-2 on its four-game West Coast road trip.
“With Joel not being there, it created opportunities for other guys,” Harris said. “But overall, we also know that this group has to find ways to generate this type of offense. In tonight’s game what hurt us was not making any saves at the other end because when we were in transition it was one of our best attacks .
Russell, who was drafted by the Lakers in 2015 and played alongside Kobe Bryant as a rookie, returned to Los Angeles via trade last season. He’s been a prolific scorer from the perimeter in his second chapter with the Lakers, and he made six 3-pointers Monday to tie Van Exel’s record.
Spencer Dinwiddie had 11 points with three 3-pointers in his best performance since joining his hometown Lakers.
Los Angeles swingman Taurean Prince missed the game due to personal reasons.
FOLLOWING
Lakers: Host Indiana on Sunday night.
76ers: At the LA Clippers on Sunday.
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