January 16: The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder 112-105 on Monday, regaining their winning form behind 27 points and 15 rebounds from Anthony Davis and 25 points from LeBron James.

In their subsequent backcourt tandem, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves combined for 14 points and 15 points, respectively, as the Lakers triumphed for the third time in their previous nine games. Russell and Reaves started as the game’s first guard duo following their last pairing on November 8.

Right knee ιnjury forced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to be benched throughout the game, but he ended up scoring 24 points for the Thunder. In the first game of a four-game road trip, Oklahoma City lost their four-game winning streak despite Jalen Williams scoring 25 points and Lu Dort contributing 11.

Chet Holmgren set a rookie record for the Thunder club with three blocks. Oklahoma City concluded with a 41.7 percent shooting percentage from the field, while the Lakers shot 52.4 percent.

The Thunder shot 37.5 percent from the field in the first two quarters, but they were still able to tie the game 50-50 at the half. In the third quarter, the Lakers gained control, leading 34–26 and scoring 84–76 on shots of 70 percent (14 of 20) from the field.

Los Angeles established its first double-digit lead at 93-82 with 8:52 remaining on a driving layup from James, who returned after missing Saturday’s defeat at Utah with a left ankle soreness.