D’Angelo Russell shows why Lakers didn’t trade him

With LeBron James out with an ankle injury, D’Angelo Russell stepped up with 44 points, including the game-winner, in a 123-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Russell got past Damian Lillard and drilled a jumper that gave Los Angeles a one-point lead that proved the difference.

Down the stretch, the Lakers went to Russell over and over. On the previous possession, he made a layup and drew a foul for a three-point play that got L.A. within one. On the possession before that, Russell hit one of his nine three-pointers.

Overall, Russell accounted for 21 of the Lakers’ 27 points in the fourth quarter. For the game, he shot 17-of-25, adding nine assists and six rebounds. It wasn’t that the Bucks weren't focusing on him down the stretch. They simply couldn’t stop him.

Russell absolutely picked up the scoring load from James and then some. While Anthony Davis is an All-Star, he’s not a player who generates his own offense down the stretch. Russell is.

It was a different guard who iced the game at the end, one also primarily known for offense. Spencer Dinwiddie blocked Lillard as time was running out to seal the win.

Lakers fans may have been frustrated by the team’s lack of moves at the trade deadline. But after holding onto Russell and signing Dinwiddie that week, GM Rob Pelinka looks like a wise man.