Los Angeles Lakers' Russell Westbrook 'turned page' after benching with strong game in win

ORLANDO — Russell Westbrook made up for his unceremonious exit from Wednesday's loss to Indiana by showing up ready to play in the Los Angeles Lakers' 116-105 win over the Magic on Friday, starting their six-game road trip off right.

«My job as a player, as a professional is to do my job, continue to find ways to be able to help impact winning,» Westbrook said after finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. «That's all I was thinking about and turned the page to do and that's what I tried to do tonight.»

Lakers coach Frank Vogel, who made the decision to sit Westbrook for the last four minutes of the loss to the Pacers as the point guard was struggling through a 5-for-17 shooting night and failing to execute defensively, was effusive in his praise Friday.

«Russ played a really good basketball game,» Vogel said. «He came in very focused and played efficient offensively and brought a pure energy to the game. He just wanted to impose his will, play his part and played a hell of a game.»

The Lakers fell down by 10 to the cellar-dwelling Magic (8-39), but took control in the third with a 21-4 run to begin the quarter.

While Westbrook, who shot 8-for-17, extended his streak to 10 straight games without scoring 20 or more points — the first time that's happened to him since 2009, according to data compiled by ESPN Stats & Information — but he made a difference with the nature of those points.

«His attacks are great,» said LeBron James, who scored 29 points, extending his streak to 16 straight games with 25 points or more. «Thought he did a great job of getting to the paint, either for his shot or spraying out [to shooters]. And guys just played off of his energy and effort tonight.»

Carmelo Anthony,