New-look Lakers take down Warriors again

Malik Beasley buried 25 points and Austin Reaves added 17 as the new-look Los Angeles Lakers earned a 124-111 victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors in the first game back from the All-Star break for both teams on Thursday, February 23 (Friday, February 24, Manila time).

After his lowest-scoring first half of the season, LeBron James finished with 13 points on 5-of-20 shooting for the Lakers, who won for the third time in their last four games (with two of those victories against the Warriors). 

Anthony Davis scored 12 points with 12 rebounds for Los Angeles.

James, who scored 5 points in the first half, saw his streak of scoring at least 20 points end at 37 games. He added 9 rebounds and 8 assists.

Klay Thompson scored 22 points and Ty Jerome added 20 for the Warriors, who were without Stephen Curry (leg) and Andrew Wiggins (personal). 

Golden State lost for the fourth time in its last five games and remained stuck on seven road victories, the lowest among postseason-eligible teams.

Kevon Looney had 10 points and 15 rebounds for the Warriors, while Draymond Green had 11 rebounds. Jordan Poole had 16 points for Golden State.

The Lakers added a number of new faces in advance of this month’s trade deadline as Russell Westbrook departed. 

Rui Hachimura (14 points) was playing in his 12th game with Los Angeles. Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt (4 points), and Russell (2 points) were in their third game, while Mo Bamba (10 points, 13 rebounds) was in his second.

The Warriors led early before the Lakers moved in front 4 1/2 minutes into the game and never trailed again. Los Angeles was up 31-23 after one quarter and 59-56 at halftime. 

Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell was ruled out for the game in the first half after he sprained his right ankle.

The Lakers pushed their lead to as many as 17 points late in the third quarter and went into the final period with a 95-80 advantage before putting the game away from there.  – Rappler.com