Johnson lifts U.S. by Puerto Rico in Cup qualifier

The Los Angeles Lakers picked up a big win without LeBron James when they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. D’Angelo Russell was a big part of the Lakers getting that win with 44 points. Russell had 21 fourth-quarter points, including the game-winner with 5.9 seconds to play.

Following the game, Russell said he welcomes the pressure. The Lakers guard said everything he’s been through has made him confident he’ll come through when it matters most.

“On the floor, I’ve always felt like I was capable of doing things, [and] getting hot makes it a little more exciting,” Russell said. “Off the floor, obviously you all know what I’ve been through. Public humiliation has done nothing but mold me into the killer that you all see today. I never lack confidence. I never fear confrontation. I want all the smoke. … I just feel confident in what I bring to the basketball game, so whatever room I walk in, I’m confident.”