LeBron JamesThe stated goal of playing 82 games this season ended on Sunday evening, but that Lakers “I’ve received input from many other players,” writes Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. With James sidelined by left foot pain, LA ended a three-game losing streak with a win against Portland.

“Next man up” Anthony Davis said. “That’s why we have a team. Other guys had to step in. People know that when we have a guy like Bron out there, we have to intervene. The boys rose to a challenge and even though it was a last minute scratch, the boys prepared for it and the boys were given a chance. Some guys got a chance to play a little longer than they normally would and they did what they were supposed to do.”

With James and Austin Reaves both not available, D’Angelo Russell took on a larger role on offense and posted season highs of 28 points and 14 assists. He scored 13 points and six assists in the fourth quarter as LA broke open a close game, but declined to speak to reporters about his performance. Rui Hachimura He also set season highs with 23 points and four steals.

“I was just trying to be aggressive” Hachimura said. “We were particularly active on defense, but (Sunday) I think we played more Gabe (Vincent), Cam (reddish), Max (Christie), has made it easier for me to be more aggressive because I can trust them. They always play defense.”

There’s more from the Pacific Division:

• On the latest Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said opposing teams would continue to keep an eye on whether James would consider popping the question Lakers for a trade (hat tip to Real GM). Windhorst recalled that the warrior called about James at the deadline last season, but talks never progressed because he wanted to stay in LA. James has a no-trade clause in his new contract, meaning he cannot be moved without his consent.
• warrior guard Buddy Hield benefited from a line-up change on Sunday evening, according to Anthony Slater of the Athletic. Hield, making just his third start of the season, responded with 27 points and seven 3-pointers while playing a season-best 35 minutes. It was his first 20-point game in more than a month. “(Trainer Steve Kerr) did a good job of just letting me stay out there and allowing me to figure it out.” Hield said. “Sometimes you have to get used to it. If you know what I’m talking about as a basketball player, sometimes you’re locked in and you’re running around all the time and you don’t feel good.”
• Malik MonkThe change to the starting lineup left that Kings little on bench production, but Kevin Huerter could be the answer, notes Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee. Huerter scored a season-high 26 points in Sunday’s win over Utah after entering the game averaging 9.3 PPG, the lowest of his career, and shooting 29.7% from distance. “Sometimes it’s just a numbers game” he said. “You just have to come back, trust it, keep working every day and just trust that it will come back at some point.”