Russell's move to the bench reunites him in the backcourt with Austin Reaves. The pair started the first eight games.

"Austin and D-Lo, they've had some really good synergy together on the floor together," Ham said. "And so that second wave allows us to play a little faster, is more offensive. I'm looking forward to both, seeing how this starting lineup applies their pressure on the game early and then also see, once we start to make substitutions, the variety in which we get offensively."

Before Saturday's win, the Lakers had lost their four previous games. They are 2-5 since winning the in-season tournament in Las Vegas. Davis had labeled the Thunder game a "must win" for the Lakers.

"It's been a hell of a road, man," Ham said before the game. "A lot of highs, a lot of lows, a lot of fatigue, a lot of travel. And so just for the spirit of our group, going into a huge Christmas Day game back home, we want to finish off this trip the right way."