Lakers Fans Excited As New Look Team Registers First Victory Since Trade Deadline

• The Los Angeles Lakers ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Golden State Warriors 109-103 on the road
• They registered the significant victory without LeBron James, who missed the game due to ankle soreness
• Several newly-acquired players made their Lakers debut

A new-look Los Angeles Lakers team without LeBron James handed a Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors a frustrating 109-103 defeat, prompting excited Lakers fans to declare, "Lakers are back".

The team recently completed massive changes in their roster following a poor NBA season where they've struggled for consistency. They brought D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Mo Bamba, and Davon Reed.

Most of the new faces made an immediate impact in the absence of James who is nursing a sore left ankle. With Anthony Davis struggling to make an impact in the game, Russell and Vanderbilt were productive.

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Beasley struggled, scoring just 4 points. Russell scored 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 6-of-12 shooting from the floor. Vanderbilt added 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists from the bench.

Davis poured in 13 points, 16 rebounds, and two crucial blocks in the game's final minutes. The game showed the newly acquired players would help James carry the scoring load as they chase a playoff spot, according to CBS Sports.

Lakers fans reactions

The win was necessary, but the 2020 NBA champions are still 13th in the Western Conference with a 26-31 record.

Mo Bamba, acquired from the Orlando Magic, will serve the final game of a three-game suspension on Monday, February 13th, 2023, against the Portland Trail Blazers,l per ESPN.

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Here are some reactions from Lakers fan

@adamrank:

"The Lakers are back."

@HadleyHadley19:

"All the new Lakers made plays tonight. Hopefully Malik can find his shooting touch moving forward. They played good tonight! Very tough place to win."

@YoReaperx:

"Such a good way to start the season."

@HuskiesFan19:

"Huge win for my Lakers in Golden State! With these new additions they could make some noise."

@KGeorgiev90:

"The defense was spectacular, given all the new faces !! And no turnover Brody, so they took care of the ball and closed it out!"

@TysonTimko

"Imagine if they had this roster since day 1 of the season."

LeBron James injury

Since becoming NBA's all-time leading scorer, LeBron James has not played for the Lakers. He has now missed their last two games because of left ankle soreness.

The 38-year-old has played 44 games this season and is averaging 30.2 points per game. He was recently named to the 2023 NBA All-Star team, which will be his 19th appearance.

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Winners and losers from NBA trade deadline

Sports Brief earlier reported on the trade deadline winners and losers, which ended almost 24 hours ago.

The Suns are obvious winners as they acquired Durant. The Lakers got better. They added shooting, size, and versatility.

The Mavericks improved offensively, but it remains to be seen if they can survive without great defense.

The Brooklyn Nets lost two elite players, Durant and Irving. Therefore they got worse. The Nuggets, who are top of the West, may now have to go through the likes of Curry, Durant, and James to get to the finals.