LOS ANGELES — The Lakers got the external help they needed Friday.
And they continued to help themselves Saturday, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-97 in a matinee matchup at Crypto.com Arena to move up the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers’ victory, their ninth in 10 games and 21st in their past 29 games, moved them to 45-33 on the season and into the No. 8 spot in the West standings, a half-game ahead of the Sacramento Kings, who lost to the Boston Celtics on Friday.
The Lakers are also now just a half-game out of the No. 7 spot behind the New Orleans Pelicans, who’ve lost four consecutive games after their home loss to the lowly San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
Matinee games can be challenging for veteran squads, with the early tipoffs requiring an adjustment to gameday routines and energy earlier in the day than players are used to.
But coach Darvin Ham wasn’t worried about how his team’s focusing coming into Saturday after a 5-1 road trip.
“We’ll be ready to play,” Ham said. “I promise you that.”
The Lakers delivered.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 24 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. D’Angelo Russell had it going offensively, scoring 28 points on 11-for-17 shooting (6 for 12 on 3-pointers) to go with five rebounds.
Anthony Davis had 22 points, 13 rebounds, six blocks, four assists and three steals, leading a Lakers team that disrupted the Cavaliers offense for nearly the entire game.
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The Cavaliers (46-32) committed 19 turnovers for 26 Lakers points. The Lakers had 11 blocks and 11 steals, just the second time they’ve finished in double figures in both marks.
Taurean Prince added 18 points off the Lakers’ bench.
The Cavaliers were led by Darius Garland’s 26 points.
The Lakers will return to Crypto.com Arena on Sunday to host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
