West Notes: Lakers, D’Angelo Russell, Spurs, Timberwolves

Lakers

While big man Anthony Davis only managed eight points, the Lakers were able to beat the Raptors on Friday, anyway.

Guard D’Angelo Russell led the way with 28 points in return from a six-game absence, caused by an ankle injury.

“That we were able to come away with this win against a really good team with only eight from (Davis), that’s a sign of growth,” coach Darvin Ham told reporters. “That’s a sign of how deep and talented we are.”

Russell added that playing in front of the home crowd never hurts.

“I know this from being here (before): The fans are ready to explode at a certain point in the game,” Russell said. “I just wanted to bring that energy and give them that. … It shouldn’t go unnoticed, because our fans are the first to put a battery in someone’s back that has a little momentum, so why not do the right things, bring that positivity and embrace what our fans have to offer?”

• The Lakers have yet to decide on whether to add another player after the injury to center Mo Bamba, Ham said.

Spurs

The Spurs have near the bottom of the Western Conference all season but were able to find a small amount of joy in stunning the visiting Nuggets in front of a sellout crowd Friday.

“It felt great,” coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. “The fans were really into it. We put them to sleep in the first quarter and then we woke them up a little bit.

“So it was great to have all those people yelling and screaming. They deserve to have a good night.”

• San Antonio is 3-46 this season when trailing by double figures. That record drops to 1-35 when trailing by 15 or more.

Timberwolves

Center Karl-Anthony Towns has missed 47 straight games with a calf injury but took a small step forward this week, doing some on-court work with coaches.

“He can feel like he’s got the bit in his teeth right now,” coach Chris Finch told reporters. “He probably wants to do a little bit more than he’s actually allowed. That’s good.”

• The Timberwolves have lost four straight at home, including a nail-biter Friday vs. the Nets. “Everybody had a moment,” point guard Mike Conley said. “We really felt like we played hard enough to win. We just had a couple plays where we had lapses.”