The Los Angeles Lakers snuck out with a 120-116 win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night before heading out on the road for a five-game roadtrip. In D’Angelo Russell’s first game since returning from injury, the second-year point guard had his first 10 assists game of his NBA career to go along with his 22 points and seven rebounds.
19 year old rookie Ivica Zubac finished with another impressive performance, setting yet another career-high with 17 points and eight made field goals, his third consecutive game in double-figures. After the game, head coach Luke Walton said Zubac has been surprising him in so many ways over the past couple weeks and that he’s definitely earned a spot in the rotation. Upon hearing what Walton said, Zubac said he’s worked hard for these minutes and he’s not about to give them up.
Five Lakers scored in double-figures and it was also the first time three players scored 20+ points since November 18th, 2016 (Nick Young – 23, Russell – 22 and Lou Williams – 21). Brandon Ingram, who finished with four points and two rebounds admits he could have had a much better game, but it’s more important they got the win.
The Lakers will be in five different cities before they return to Staples Center in two weeks.