Lakers News: Damian Lillard Discusses Reason For Scuffle With D’Angelo Russell
Lakers News: Damian Lillard Discusses Reason For Scuffle With D’angelo Russell
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers had things going pretty well against the Portland Trail Blazers, until the second half started. It was then that things started to turn around and a major turning point was a scuffle between the two point guards, D’Angelo Russell and Damian Lillard.

After the ball went out of bounds, Lillard and Russell bumped each other which led to the two getting in each other’s face. At that time it was only a one-point game, but Portland immediately picked up the intensity afterwards, led by Lillard who quickly made two straight baskets after the incident.

The Blazers would ultimately win 108-87 and after the game, Lillard admitted that the scuffle motivated him, and also gave a reason why it happened via Blazers Beat reporter Casey Holdahl:

Lillard grew up in Oakland which is known for producing some tough point guards such as Gary Payton and Jason Kidd, and he let it be known that he didn’t like what he perceived was ‘extra stuff’ from Russell.

Neither player shot the ball well on the night as Lillard was 7-21 while Russell was 4-14, but up until that point, Russell had arguably outplayed his All-Star opponent, controlling the game with his vision and passing. Afterwards, however, Lillard stepped things up a level and Russell simply couldn’t match him.

This is the second incident the Lakers have been involved in over the last couple of games. The first one involving Jordan Clarkson and Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic was far more serious and resulted in a $15,000 fine for Clarkson. This one shouldn’t result in anything of that nature, but the Lakers felt the effects on the court and it resulted in a rough loss.

You May Also Like

Russell Westbrook Believes Dunk Over Rudy Gobert Gave Lakers An ‘Extra Boost’ But Didn’t Personally Mean Extra To Him

At his peak, Russell Westbrook was arguably the most explosive, athletic point guard in NBA history, capable of throwing down…

Lakers Rumors: Tom Thibodeau No Longer Considered A ‘Viable Candidate’

[new_royalslider id=”289″] As the Lakers coaching search continues to move forward slowly,…

The Best Ways to Buy Los Angeles Lakers Tickets

Purchasing tickets to see the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most…

2015-16 NBA Rookie Survey: Kobe Bryant Voted Second Favorite Player In League

Heading into his 20th season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant…