OKLAHOMA CITY _ The Los Angeles Lakers became the next team on the wrong end of a Russell Westbrook triple-double Sunday at Chesapeake Energy Arena, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 113-96.
By the time 3:30 remained in the third quarter, Westbrook already reached double digits in rebounds, assists and points. Westbrook finished with 33 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds. While it wasn't the 51-point barrage he inflicted upon the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, it was enough to lift the Thunder to their third win and drop the Lakers to 1-2.
Point guard D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers in scoring with 20 points on seven-for-20 shooting. He also had five assists and five rebounds. Julius Randle scored 18 points and had nine rebounds. Guards Nick Young and Jordan Clarkson also reached double figures.
The Lakers' early defense against Westbrook was strong and a joint effort by Young, Russell, Clarkson and small forward Luol Deng. But while he waited for his opportunities to score, Westbrook found open looks for his teammates. In the fourth quarter, he took over, scoring 15 points.
The Lakers struggled offensively, shooting only 40.2 percent and 21.9 percent from three-point range. Several sloppy exchanges led to turnovers and Thunder baskets.
As with the Lakers' first two games, 12 players saw playing time, including point guard Jose Calderon. Calderon missed the Lakers' first two games with a left calf strain. Rookie Brandon Ingram was also cleared to play. He missed the second half of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz with a sore right knee.
