Westbrook shines as Thunder roll over Lakers
OKLAHOMA CITY: Russell Westbrook earned his 28th triple double of the season as the Oklahoma City Thunder eased past the Los Angeles Lakers 110-93 late on Friday.
Westbrook scored 17 points on four-of-17 shooting from the field to go with 17 assists and 19 rebounds at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Alex Abrines and Andre Roberson each had 19 points and combined to hit eight three-pointers.
Steven Adams collected 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who improved to 33-25.
Oklahoma City also received strong contributions from its newest members, Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott, who were traded from Chicago on Thursday.
“It felt great,” Gibson said. “I didn’t want to mess up. I was able to calm down and have a lot of fun with the guys. It’s a great group of guys, real unselfish. I had a great time tonight.”
Westbrook reached his tripledouble midway through the quarter, giving his new teammates a taste of what the type of season he has been having.
“It’s a lot better to be with him than against him,” McDermott said.
D’Angelo Russell paced the struggling Lakers with 29 points. Jordan Clarkson scored 14 points off the bench and Julius Randle added 13.
Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ new president, was in the building to watch the team for the first time since taking over basketball operations.
“It’s good. It like you’re starting over and trying to impress,” Russell said. “It’s like coming to a new team. Trying to impress the GM (general manager) and the guys in the front office with your play, with your off the court and the way you handle yourself.”