AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a five-game losing streak on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena with an 116-103 win over the Brooklyn Nets, improving to 3-10 on the season.
While LeBron James was sidelined with a left adductor strain, Anthony Davis took command of the Purple and Gold offense, finishing with 37 points, 18 rebounds and two assists, outdueling Kevin Durant, who finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Davis made 15-of-25 shots from the floor in 34 minutes to help lift L.A. to victory.
Lonnie Walker IV also had an impressive performance, finishing with 25 points and one rebound in 30 minutes.
The Lakers have struggled mightily this season, but seeing Davis take command to lift the team to victory on Sunday night earned him some rave reviews on Twitter:
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Terrific offensive performance from @AntDavis23 thus far. He’s not settling at all, with 18 of his 19 field goal attempts coming in the paint.
He made his only jumper, and is 11 for 18 inside towards 28 points (4 of 4 FT’s).
Nets have had nothing for him inside.
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Anthony Davis, @uncledanny24‘s favorite player, has 35 points and 17 rebounds tonight. Just put the Lakers up 17 with a putback dunk. Nets have had no answer for him tonight.
It will be interesting to see if Davis and the Lakers can keep the momentum once James returns to the lineup, whenever that might be.
At this point, the Purple and Gold are far from being playoff contenders, but Sunday’s game is at least a sign of life. They’ll look to post their second straight win when they host the Detroit Pistons on Friday.