Amid Zach LaVine Exit Rumors, D’Angelo Russell Erupts to Prove Worth at Lakers– 3 Key Takeaways of a Cade Cunningham Debacle in Detroit

The Los Angeles Lakers blew out the last-seeded Detroit Pistons 133-107 in a dominant performance. LeBron James and Co. made light work of the Pistons tonight and improved their record to 11-8. Although King James and Anthony Davis put up great individual performances, it was the monstrous scoring outburst by D’Angelo Russell that did the trick for the Lakers. Russell played his best game of this season tonight and led the purple and gold to victory.

D’Angelo’s incredible performance tonight proved his worth to the Lakers amid the Zach LaVine trade rumors. Here are 3-key takeaways as the Lakers destroy Cade Cunningham and Co. in Detroit.

1. D’Angelo Russell proved his worth to the Lakers

D’Angelo Russell was on the receiving end of a lot of criticism after his performance in last season’s Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. He averaged only 6.3 points in that series, which was a massive decline from his performance before that. But Russell has bounced back amazingly this season, averaging 16.7 points and 6.2 assists. Tonight’s performance was his way of proving his worth to the Lakers. Russell led the Lakers in scoring with 35 points, which was also his highest-scoring game since he got traded back to LA earlier this year. His efficient 13 of 17 shooting from the field also helped put him in elite company. Russell became the first Lakers guard with 35 points on 75% shooting since Kobe Bryant.

2. The Lakers might not need Zach LaVine to win it all

Ever since the Chicago Bulls put Zach LaVine in the trade market, fans and analysts have been hoping for Rob Pelinka to make a trade to acquire him. LaVine expressed his desire to play with LeBron James during an interview in 2020, and the Lakers also need a third superstar to win the Championship. According to Hoops Hype, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura could be the two players available for the Zach LaVine trade. But the Lakers might not need LaVine to win it all. The Lakers indeed need a third star apart from LeBron and AD to carry the scoring load, but that role can be taken by Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell. The two guards are starting to pick up some pace after a slow start, and they can have a great impact if they stay consistent.

Read More: “Try to Break Their F**king Neck on the Court”: LeBron James’ Ex-Rival Gives His Son Advice on Playing vs Bronny James

3. The Lakers need their two-way players back

Rob Pelinka did a great job forming a multi-talented roster around LeBron and AD. But injuries have plagued the Lakers season from the get-go. Power forward Jarred Vanderbilt has not played any game this season due to left heel bursitis. Rui Hachimura has also been out for the last three games due to a nasal fracture. Vanderbilt and Hachimura are great two-way players who can lock down any player on defense and impact the game on offense. Without them, all the defensive load falls on Anthony Davis’ shoulders. The Lakers need the two forwards back in the lineup so that they can get back to playing Championship basketball.

Bouncing back after their 76ers drubbing, can the Lakers carry this momentum forward and string together a few wins to regain momentum?

Watch This Story: “Emotional” Gloria James’ Gets Nostalgic After Entering Son LeBron James’ Newly Opened Akron Museum