D'Angelo Russell Puts up 44 Points, Anthony Davis Guts Out Shoulder Injury as Lakers Beat Bucks, 123-122

Well, that was improbable, and it was amazing. Playing without LeBron James, and with a one-armed Anthony Davis (who hurt his left shoulder early in the second half, but finished the game despite not being able to lift his left arm in any meaningful way) the Lakers registered a 123-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2nd best team in the Eastern Conference. There have been a few moments this year when the Lakers, who have had some maddening collapses and failures, the most recent on Wednesday against the Kings, came through with wins built primarily on heart and effort. Winning in Boston without LeBron and AD, and this one being the most prominent. 44 points, a career high, from D'Angelo Russell, who hit the game winner. A game-clinching block from Spencer Dinwiddie on Damian Lillard, forcing him right and stuffing the stepback. A key 3-pointer from Rui Hachimura. Big energy from Jaxson Hayes. 18 points from Austin Reaves. Everyone who played did something to contribute. But nobody, of course, did more than Russell. What a game! With the win, the Lakers move back into ninth, and keep the critical eighth spot within reach. It doesn't get much easier from here, but the Lakers still have some life from a seeding perspective. Hopefully the injury news (on James and Davis) isn't too bad. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Nissan Our friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com. LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Get buckets with your first bet on FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your bet wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)