Los Angeles Lakers’ Reserves Impress in Win Over Golden State Warriors

• The Lakers bolstered their playoff hopes with a convincing win over the Warriors.
• The Lakers used a balanced scoring attack to record the impressive victory at home.
• Los Angeles’ bench players stepped up big time, with LeBron James having an off-night.

Here come the Lakers.

Darvin Ham’s team delivered a masterclass on Thursday night, with Los Angeles recording a 124-111 win over the Golden State Warriors.

It was a critical victory for the Lakers, who are 1.5 games out of a spot in the play-in tournament.

Every victory counts in a tight race, and the Lakers showed the urgency to pull off the much-needed win against Golden State.

It was a total team effort for LA, with eight players scoring in double-figures for the Lakers.

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Malik Beasley led the way for them with 25 points. Interestingly, that is the combined scoring output of LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the night.

Lakers' bench steps up

That usually is a recipe for disaster for the Lakers, but the reserves didn't let that happen in the game against Golden State. The bench players carried the scoring cudgels for Los Angeles, combining for a season-high 68 points, per ESPN.

Five of those substitutes scored in double-digits, including Austin Reaves (17), Rui Hachimura (14), Dennis Schroder (13), Lonnie Walker IV (10), and Mo Bamba (10).

They needed to be at their best with LeBron having an off-night. James, who injured his hand in the All-Star Game, finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

He had a cold shooting night, going just 5 of 20 from the field. That marked the sixth time in James’ NBA career that he shot 25 percent or worse when attempting at least 20 shots in a game.

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Warriors' struggles continue without Curry

It’s back to the drawing board for the Warriors, who fell to 10th place in the Western Conference. They have struggled mightily without Steph Curry in the lineup. The Warriors are 9-12 this season without the two-time MVP.

They have lost four of six since Curry suffered a left leg injury against the Dallas Mavericks on February 4.

Ham wishes Westbrook well

Sports Brief recently reported on Darvin Ham’s message to Russell Westbrook following the latter’s move to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Ham had nothing but love for his former star player, saying that he appreciated Russ for everything he tried to do for them.

He praised him for his sacrifice and compliance to come off the bench for the Lakers to have a more balanced lineup.