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The Los Angeles Lakers improved to a 3-0 Las Vegas Summer League record, riding the hot hand of D'Angelo Russell in a 78-65 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The purple and gold earned themselves a bye round once tournament play begins, taking a two-day breather before getting back into action Thursday.
Russell's 26 points on a wildly-efficient 9-of-13 shooting performance is to thank, the second-year point guard making quick work of the outclassed Warriors. D'Angelo made up for an erratic start to his game against the Philadelphia 76ers by taking control of this one early, using his shooting touch to kickstart the Lakers in the first quarter. His relentless assault carried on throughout the game, helping create enough cushion to enable some serious Summer League garbage time for the rest of the prospects under the coaching staff's watch.
It was the kind of game you'd hope to see out of a player like Russell, who should come out looking like the elite young prospect that he is. He showed off his handle a bit, was locked on from outside and made good decisions with his scoring opportunities. D'Angelo had a dazzling game.
#3Angelo hits four triples in the first half, giving him 22 points #Loading #GoLakershttps://t.co/2E2t7v3QnH
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 12, 2016
Brandon Ingram had another quiet night, scoring seven points but missing all five of his field goal attempts. His struggles from Saturday carried forward after he looked very comfortable during his debut. Moustapha Fall logged extended stretch in the middle and wound up blocking four shots with his giant wingspan. Larry Nance, Jr. went scoreless after two very impressive outings to start Summer League.
The Lakers looked in control out of the gates, D'Angelo dominated and collecting two days to rest and prepare for the final Summer League push made for a nice night for the purple and gold. Until then, shake and bake.
D'Angelo is cooking pic.twitter.com/u2noYZTsXc
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrisonSBN) July 12, 2016