os Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, left, celebrates with teammate Jordan Clarkson during a timeout in the second half of an NBA basketball game against Orlando Magic on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 107-98. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The ball splashed into the net for what felt like the millionth time. But with victories so rare and feel-good moments so precious, Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson could not help himself.
His 3-pointer as the shot clock expired became the dagger in the Lakers’ 107-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at Staples Center. So when he made his shot that gave the Lakers a 103-88 lead with 2:48 left, Clarkson moved his arms around mimicking an airplane landing. He then bumped chests with Julius Randle. Clarkson then performed a handshake exchange with D’Angelo Russell.
After stomaching losses that piled up by the day, the Lakers (14-51) are finally relishing the wins no matter if it only marks a two-game winning steak.
“I just had real good energy and a vibe when I let it go,” Clarkson said. “It was just fun. We were out there having fun and really playing hard.”
All of which provided significant meaning for the Lakers beating the Magic (27-35). They did not show any signs of complacency after upsetting the Golden State Warriors two games ago. After trailing 51-45 at halftime, the Lakers unleashed a season-record 39 points in the third quarter. And while Kobe Bryant missed his second consecutive game with a sore right shoulder, Russell, Randle and Clarkson all logged 20-point games for the first time together in their young NBA careers.
“Those are the three guys we’re trying to prime to get to the next level and take that challenge every single night,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said. “So I’m really happy with the outcome.”
Russell posted a team-leading 27 points on 11-of-19 shooting, three assists and three steals amid a nifty array of 3-pointers, floaters, post-ups and finger rolls. Clarkson contributed 24 points on a 9-of-17 clip by equally attacking the basket and draining shots from the perimeter (5-of-12 from 3-point range). And Randle tied a career-high in points (23) on a 9-of-16 clip and 11 rebounds in what marked his 28th double double, which leads the league among second-year players.
“You have to be patient with the whole process,” Randle said. “It’s better to realize that early and take lumps along the way and learn from it. We were patient enough slowly and surely it has helped.”
All of the images became pretty to watch.
Russell expressed skepticism nearly all season on if he built any credibility to lead the Lakers. But then Lakers center Roy Hibbert revealed Russell has increased his individual playcalling for the past 10 games. While he mostly looks for others to score, Russell will also contribute as a last resort. On one play, Russell jumped into the passing lane and forced a turnover. He retrieved the ball. Then he sprinted on the other end of the court and finished on the finger right-handed finger roll.
“Experience is helping me see things clearer,” Russell said. “A lot of reads and stuff are coming more second nature to me. I just feel like I’m getting better as far as individual progress and knowing when I mess up. Knowing personnel is something that comes with times and with experience.”
That experience also helped Clarkson suddenly become a lethal outside shooter. He spent nearly all of his offseason working on his 3-point shot by altering the balance on his shot and tweaking his release. So when Clarkson performed a nifty crossover that nearly broke Evan Fournier’s ankles, Clarkson did not hesitate in letting it fly. After all, Clarkson has averaged a 41.6 percent mark from 3-point range, a mark he credited toward “confidence.”
“That was probably one of my top plays,” Clarkson said. “I was just seeing the basket. Then I heard the crowd. That gave me the energy to shoot it.”
Randle had plenty of energy to do nearly everything.
He routinely hustled on the boards. He moved off the ball. When he had the ball, Randle charged through with both power and grace.
“When the ball is moving and everybody is sharing as a team, we’re getting stops on the other end,” Randle said. “It’s been cool.”
Yet, no one on the Lakers would describe this season as cool.
They are bound for a third consecutive missed playoff appearance. Scott and Russell dismissed the Lakers’ two-game winning streak as any significant achievement. A likely tougher test awaits on Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But as the Lakers made what Randle called “big steps” in their growth, they sounded mindful on how such a seed could eventually blossom into something beautiful.
“We’ll come in confident the next game and keep building,” Randle said. “We’re not where we want to be. Obviously we want to win championships.”
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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com