Lakers Bolster Playoff Hopes With Win Over Thunder Sans LeBron James and Anthony Davis

• The Lakers have won four of their last five games after defeating the OKC Thunder
• Dennis Schroder led the team who were without LeBron James and Anthony Davis
• The OKC Thunder have struggled for results and are 0-5 since the All-Star break

No LeBron and AD, no problem!

The Los Angeles Lakers showed they could win without their two superstars, pulling off a 123-117 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.

Dennis Schroder starred for the Lakers, who remained one game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for 10th place in the Western Conference standings.

Injuries have ravaged the Lakers in the past few days. James and Davis were sidelined due to right foot injuries, while D’Angelo Russell sat out because of a sprained right ankle.

Memphis Grizzlies dominant as they stun West leaders Denver Nuggets

NBA

Schroder delivers for Lakers

It looked like Schroder would join the injured crew after twisting his left ankle in the first quarter. He soldiered on though and the Lakers benefited because of it.

The guard did most of his damage in the second half, scoring 22 of his 26 points in the final two quarters. He shot 8 of 18 from the field and finished the game with six assists, per ESPN.

Schroder got help from his teammates as five other Lakers scored in double-figures. Troy Brown Jr. excelled as a starter, scoring a season-high 19 points. Mo Bamba and Malik Beasley also delivered as starters, scoring 12 and 11 points respectively.

Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV contributed off the bench, chipping in 19 and 13 points respectively. The reserves combined for 48 points to help in the Lakers' scoring attack.

What is happening to OKC?

Russell Westbrook happy to make Clippers debut in crazy game vs Kings

NBA

The Thunder’s struggles continued as they have now lost five consecutive games since the All-Star break.

It didn’t help matters for OKC that star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was out due to health and safety protocols and an abdominal strain. He is averaging 31 points per game this season.

LeBron injures foot against Mavs

Sports Brief recently reported on LeBron James hurting his ankle in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.

However, the NBA's scoring king played through the pain, helping the Los Angeles Lakers steal a win on the road.

The damage turned out to be more severe than first thought, with James set to be sidelined for multiple weeks.