In LeBron James’ absence, D’Angelo Russell stepped up in a big way for the Los Angeles Lakers in their nail-biting victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Russell’s stellar performance included a remarkable 44-point outing, shooting an impressive 17 of 25 from the field and 9 of 12 from beyond the arc. Alongside his scoring prowess, Russell contributed nine assists and six rebounds, playing a crucial role in securing the win for his team. 

Notably, he delivered eight crucial points in the final 73 seconds of the game, including a game-winning floater with just over five seconds left on the clock.

The Lakers’ victory was sealed by Spencer Dinwiddie’s clutch block on a Damian Lillard jumper in the closing moments of the game, preserving the narrow one-point lead. 

Following the game, LeBron James took to social media to celebrate Russell’s outstanding performance, showing his support and appreciation for his teammate’s efforts.

After the game, James took to X (Twitter) to celebrate Russell’s huge outing, posting, “YEAAAAHHHH 9LO!!!” and tagging his 28-year-old teammate.

This win holds significant importance for the Lakers, as it helps them maintain their position as the ninth seed in the competitive Western Conference race. Additionally, defeating a formidable Eastern Conference opponent like the Milwaukee Bucks demonstrates the Lakers’ resilience and capability to compete against top-tier teams in the league.