It turns out the Lakers didn’t need LeBron or Anthony Davis to take down Oklahoma City.
Los Angeles topped the Thunder 125-110 on Saturday night in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score might indicate. LA scored 41 points in the first quarter compared to OKC’s 19. While it was fairly even from there, the initial deficit was just too much for Oklahoma City to overcome.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari both scored 24 to lead the way for the Thunder. Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder, and Steven Adams were also all in double-figures, adding 16, 13, and 12, respectively.
Kyle Kuzma, starting in place of an injured Davis, who missed his second straight game with a bruised buttocks, led all scorers on Saturday with 36.
Rajon Rondo, who got the start with LeBron James was scratched with “flu-like symptoms” put up a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
The Lakers have won all three meetings with Oklahoma City this season, with Saturday night being the largest margin of victory for L.A.
The two will not meet in the regular season again until the Thunder travel to Los Angeles for a primetime showdown with the Lakers on Sunday, April 5.
