Lakers finally win without LeBron, as Cavaliers buy out Andre Drummond
3 years ago
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The Lakers’ Dennis Schroder blocks a shot by the Cavaliers’ Darius Garland during the second half of Friday night’s game at Staples Center. The Lakers scored 19 of the first 21 points in the third quarter on their way to a 100-86 win that snapped their four-game losing streak. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers wins the tip off against Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on a jump ball in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
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Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Brodric Thomas #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Brodric Thomas #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers slam dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Lakers’ Montrezl Harrell dunks against during the second half of Friday night’s game against the Cavaliers at Staples Center. The Lakers scored 19 of the first 21 points in the third quarter on their way to a 100-86 win that snapped their four-game losing streak. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers slam dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The Lakers’ Montrezl Harrell dunks against during the second half of Friday night’s game against the Cavaliers at Staples Center. The Lakers scored 19 of the first 21 points in the third quarter on their way to a 100-86 win that snapped their four-game losing streak. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, top, dunks as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Brodric Thomas, left, and forward Larry Nance Jr. watch during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers fights for the ball against Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a foul against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks the shot by Brodric Thomas #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and his called for a foul in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Brodric Thomas, left, is fouled while shooting by Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, center, as guard Talen Horton-Tucker blocks during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks the shot by Brodric Thomas #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and his called for a foul in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Brodric Thomas, left, is fouled while shooting by Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, center, as guard Talen Horton-Tucker blocks the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers slam dunks over Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers slam dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers slam dunks over Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach J. B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts toward an official n the second half of a NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Damyean Dotson #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes down hard and leaves the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes down hard and leaves the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket agenda is fouled by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers loses the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers blocks the shot by Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Frank Vogel # of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers slam dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after running into him on a play in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers blocks the shot by Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Damyean Dotson #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lunges for a loose ball during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Damyean Dotson #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks the shot and fouls Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Markieff Morris #88 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against he Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
J. B. Bickerstaff # of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half of a NBA basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, right, is hit in the head by Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. as he grabs a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso, left, knocks the ball away from Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, center, shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, right, defends and forward Larry Nance Jr. watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, right, is poked in the eye by Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker as he tries to pass during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris, center, shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, left, defends and forward Isaac Okoro watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker, right, shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr., below, reacts after being called for an offensive foul as Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris, upper left, and forward Kyle Kuzma walks behind during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, right, shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro, left, has his shot blocked by Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays up a shot past the defense of Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball as Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker, right, shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers battles Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers for a rebound during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against the dribble of Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers collides with Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounds a ball as Montrezl Harrell #15 and Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers rebounds over Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots past the defense of Dylan Windler #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past the defene of Brodric Thomas #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots past the defense of Dennis Schroder #17, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 and Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against a pass by Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers blocks a shot by Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a foul call during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against a shot by Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past the defense of Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers calls a play during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers loses the ball against the defense of Brodric Thomas #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks over the defense of Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against a pass from Darius Garland #10 intended for Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Alex Caruso #4 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers battle Lamar Stevens #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers for a loose ball during the second half of a game at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out prior to a NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out prior to a NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 26: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out prior to a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers enter the court prior to a NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — There’s one.
It took six tries this season, but the Lakers finally won a game without LeBron James or Anthony Davis – a 100-86 rock fight with the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers that should be remembered only for the final score. Montrezl Harrell led the way with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double as the Lakers stopped the bleeding they’ve felt since losing LeBron James to a sprained ankle on Sunday.
“From the first game, even though we lost four in a row, I think we made strides every single time,” said point guard Dennis Schröder, who scored 17 points. “Today, we got the ‘W’ and it feels even better.”
Even as the Cavaliers helped deliver the Lakers a much-needed win to break a four-game losing streak, off the court, the organization made a move that could ultimately mean more to the Lakers than a single game’s result.
Friday was the day the Cavaliers finally parted ways with center Andre Drummond, the 27-year-old, 6-foot-10 two-time All-Star whose career has hit a squall. But buying out the remainder of Drummond’s $27 million salary this season could mean his next stop is with the Lakers, who covet adding one of the league’s most prolific rebounders as they languish without James and fellow All-Star Davis.
Drummond and the Lakers have been linked as possible partners for weeks; Yahoo Sports reported that he would be meeting with them virtually in addition to the Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. While Drummond eventually stopped playing for Cleveland last month when they decided he would take a backseat to younger center Jarrett Allen, he averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds when he took the court – and the Cavaliers sent him off with plenty of compliments.
“He has the ability to single-handedly shut down the paint with his intelligence, being in the right spot, and his ability to defensive rebound the ball,” Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “And then on the offensive end, he’s a threat. You gotta send bodies to him when he’s in the pick-and-roll to keep him off the glass or keep him from finishing. So I think he’d be an asset, big-time, to any contender.”
He might have been an asset to a Cleveland team that went desperately cold in the third quarter, during a clinching 28-10 Lakers run. As the Lakers caught steam – opening the quarter on a 19-2 run – with a pick-and-roll attack led by Schröder and Harrell, the Cavaliers shot only 3 for 21 as they lost their seven-point halftime lead and fell behind by 11 to start the fourth.
After struggling mightily against Philadelphia in the third quarter the night before, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said the goal was to flip the script.
“The mindset was to make this one ours,” he said. “This was the one where it’s gonna be the opposite. It’s gonna be the Cavs struggling in the third quarter because we’re gonna have a better defensive disposition.”
That defensive mindset might get help if the Lakers do end up adding Drummond over the weekend: The Lakers had success with rim-running, shot-blocking centers last season, and Drummond fits that mold. He’s averaged 1.5 blocks per game for his career, and he’s led the league in rebounding four times.
The Lakers center rotation of Marc Gasol and Harrell has had bumps. Gasol is a high-IQ player, but at 36, he’s not as limber as he used to be, and he’s often been reluctant to shoot (he just returned from a three-week tussle with COVID-19). Harrell has had strong scoring games, but he has often looked out of sync on offense. The Lakers recently signed high-flying center Damian Jones to a pair of 10-day contracts and liked him, but they didn’t re-sign him in part to keep roster spots open for the robust buyout market.
That buyout market began to emerge on Friday, as San Antonio big man LaMarcus Aldridge and Memphis’ Gorgui Dieng (a college teammate of Harrell) were set free. But Drummond represents the best available talent at a position where the Lakers might need a boost.
There was some positive news on Davis, as the team said he has been approved to do more intense on-court work as he recovers from the right calf strain that has kept him out since Feb. 14. James posted video from his hyperbaric chamber at home, but he did not sit on the sideline for the game.
In this one, the Lakers managed just fine with Harrell, who scored 15 points in the second half. While they might not possess an elite shot-blocker with Davis unavailable, they got contributions from unlikely places: 6-foot-3 Schröder rejected a breakaway effort by Darius Garland. Schröder’s four steals stood out as a tone-setter on the defensive end.
“He’s a warrior on the defensive end of the floor,” Harrell said of Schröder. “He started getting up in guys, picking them up full-court, making them uncomfortable, turning guys. He’s just being a pest, something that he’s built a name for in this league for a long time.”
The best Cavalier was former Laker Larry Nance Jr., who had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to accompany a pair of highlight-reel dunks.
It wasn’t so long ago that the Lakers gave the Cavaliers a productive big man. It might turn out that Cleveland has already returned the favor.
