Russell scores career high 39 in Lakers' 107-101 victory over Nets

D'Angelo Russell's career high 39 points propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to end an eight-game losing streak, defeating the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night at Staples Center, 107-101.

Russell set not only a new career-high with 39 points, the most by an NBA rookie this season, but in three-pointers made, hitting eight of his 12 three-point attempts.

"I was trying to really hoose my sports. I said 'this is my night,' and it worked out great for me," Russell told media after the game.

The Lakers also had their best defensive game in a long while, holding the Nets to the fewest points by a Los Angeles opponent in seven games.

"I thought that tonight, for the most part, that our guys looked a lot more comfortable in it," Lakers Head Coach byron Scott said.

Jordan Clarkson finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Julius Randle continues rewarding the Lakers' coaching staff with double-doubles since being inserted into the starting lineup, adding another 14 points and 13 rebounds to his impressive run.

Nets center Brook Lopez scored 23 points and fouled out with 2:43 left in the game, who fell to 2-3 on their nine-game trip with back-to-back losses at Staples Center.

Kobe Bryant watched from the bench in a black suit, missing his second straight game to rest a sore right shoulder. Scott said Bryant hopes to play Wednesday night in Denver. Endit