Key Points: Lakers Showcase ‘Urgency,’ Defeat Mavericks in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers earned their 21st-season victory with a 127-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks in L.A.

The Lakers are now sitting at .500 with a 21-21 record overall after winning four of the past six games. They have a home record of 15-7.

Coach Darvin Ham spoke on the Lakers’ defense and the win postgame.

“Usually when you play good defense, it triggers good offense. Everyone was having that sense of urgency to be in attack mode,” coach Darvin Ham said. “We have to bottle it up and continue to work at it and sustain what we do well.”

D’Angelo Russell led the way for the Lakers with 29 points on 11-for-20 shooting. Russell knocked down 5-for-7 from the three-point line. Russell hit 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Russell grabbed four rebounds and dished out three assists.

Anthony Davis scored 28 points on 12-for-17 shooting. Davis hit 4-for-5 from the free-throw line. Davis also grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out nine assists. Davis also recorded a steal and a block.

LeBron James scored 25 points on 10-for-19 shooting. James knocked down 3-for-7 from the three-point line. James hit 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. James also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out eight assists. James spoke postgame about Anthony Davis’ play as of late and the Lakers’ win.

“He’s learning from me how to pass out of the post,” James said postgame. “He’s been working on it and it’s great. Teams are going to stop doubling him soon.  As long as we make shots out there for him. It’s our job to make sure we are in the right position at the right time when he gets doubled.”

The Lakers face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, 1/19 in Los Angeles. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is at 10:30 p.m. Eastern/ 7:30 p.m. Pacific and the game will air on ESPN.