Anthony Davis, LeBron James, New Starting Lineup Lead Lakers to Critical 112-105 win over Thunder

The Lakers badly needed a win after absorbing a few tough losses, and Monday night played one of their better games of the season, beating Oklahoma City 112-105.

Anthony Davis (27/15/5) and LeBron James (25/6/5) led a balanced and efficient Lakers attack (six players in double figures, 44-84 from the floor). But what got people's attention first and foremost? Another new lineup for the Lakers. Darvin Ham, seeking to put as much playmaking around James and Davis, went with D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves in the starting lineup with Taurean Prince.

The returns were solid, for sure, and for one night at least this group offered the high level of offense Ham wanted without compromising (or being compromised) defensively. They held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a very manageable 9-19 from the floor, and ROY candidate Chet Holmgren was in foul trouble all night, notching only nine points.

Ham said this would be the lineup for a while going forward, indicating a pivot for the team (and an acknowledgement that Cam Reddish could be out a while).

The Lakers, for a team that has struggled a lot, has also now notched a pretty good assortment of wins over good teams. They don't have enough of them, but there's enough proof in the game calendar that the Lakers can beat anyone in the league. Often enough? In four of seven games?

A lot is left to be seen, but for one night at least, the Lakers got a little mojo back.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers get a huge win over Oklahoma City.

SEGMENT 2: Another new starting lineup for the Lakers? How long does this one last?

SEGMENT 3: What do games like this say about the trade deadline?

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