Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Fresh additions keep Lakers' playoff dreams alive

By Max Steele | Last updated 2/16/23

Don't count them out yet.

In a 120-102 blowout win over the Pelicans on Wednesday, the Lakers (27-32) debuted a fresh starting lineup. Recently acquired point guard D'Angelo Russell, shooting guard Malik Beasley and power forward Jarred Vanderbilt tipped off alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

For the first time this season, the Lake Show looked alive.

Davis led the Lakers with 28 points and 10 rebounds, but Russell -- the replacement for Russell Westbrook -- proved an excellent fit for the struggling team. The 26-year-old is a deep threat with elite playmaking abilities that open the court for scoring opportunities.

Russell tallied 21 points, seven assists and made only one turnover. He has career-high percentages for field goals (46.4), three-pointers (39) and free throws made (85) this season, according to ESPN.

D-Lo has Crypto Arena JUMPIN' pic.twitter.com/5yz8BkUGb6
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2023

Beasley and Vanderbilt didn't post as impressive stats, but they filled much-needed roles as support players. Fellow pickups Mo Bamba and Rui Hachimura got touches, and Dennis Schroder scored 10 points off the bench.

"We got depth now," Davis said postgame.

The most impressive part? James, who's battling injuries, clocked his first game under 30 minutes this season.

The Lakers have reportedly wanted to cut the 38-year-old's playing time due to load management concerns but haven't been able to sit him and still win.

That may not be the case anymore.

.@stephenasmith says there's a possibility the Lakers could be title contenders pic.twitter.com/q7lAw6nygh
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 16, 2023