LOS ANGELES — Blowout wins have been a rarity for the Lakers, even at home. But with a home-heavy stretch approaching in March, it’s worth wondering if fans might start getting used to the purple-and-gold streamer celebrations after nearly a year-and-a-half of lean times.

The Lakers picked up where they left off in the most meaningful way: comfortably beating a team ahead of them in the standings. Without Steph Curry in the fold, the Golden State Warriors couldn’t stand toe-to-toe with the rebuilt Lakers in a 124-111 rout – a result that feels like it’s becoming surprisingly routine in L.A. since the trade deadline.

The most surprising part was who led the way: LeBron James and Anthony Davis were neither the first- nor second-leading scorers for the evening. James was just 5 for 20 from the field for 13 points with nine rebounds and eight assists, while Davis took only five shots, finishing with 12 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots.

The Lakers’ top bucket-getter was Malik Beasley, the trade pickup out of Utah, who finished 9 for 16 from the field for 25 points, going 7 for 11 from 3-point range. By early in the fourth quarter, Warriors coach Steve Kerr emptied the bench and ceded defeat as the Lakers’ lead ballooned past 20 points.

Before the trade deadline, the Lakers’ last double-digit win was on Jan. 6 against the Atlanta Hawks. Their last two – with the All-Star break in between – have both been by at least 13, the final minutes played out in garbage time. Blowouts have been few and far between for the Lakers this season – their shooting additions might point a way out of the wilderness.

“You have to believe that,” Ham said of James’ stated belief that if their new-look squad can get into the playoffs (and remain healthy) they would have a chance against anyone. “You have to be confident – completely, wholly – with everyone in the building.”

It was the second win over the Warriors in their past four games, but this one was won behind a 36-24 effort in the third quarter – an area Davis cited as a point of emphasis during Wednesday’s practice. Austin Reaves was the biggest swing piece in that frame, scoring 13 of his 17 points.

While James and Davis had highlights, each delivering soaring dunks, they were limited to just 26 minutes apiece. Coach Darvin Ham had hoped to limit the workload on his workhorses, who have both been injury-prone over the last few seasons.

The biggest question mark for the Lakers coming out of the game was D’Angelo Russell, the star (re)acquistion of the trade deadline. In his fourth start for the team, Russell stepped on Donte DiVincenzo’s foot as he attempted an inbound pass.

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Russell finished with just two points and three assists in nine minutes against the Warriors, with whom he had a short stint during the 2019-20 season. The Lakers confirmed that an X-ray showed no sign of fracture, and Russell is considered day-to-day.

But Beasley was more than enough from the new additions, nailing his first three shots of the game in the first two minutes alone. While his outside shot was his most dangerous weapon, Beasley also showcased a third-quarter floater that might keep defenses guessing.

Among the bench performers, the top standout was Reaves, who was 6 for 6 from the field and 4 for 4 from the free-throw line, and he helped lead a 9-0 run at the end of the third quarter that extended the margin from solid to comfortable.

More to come on this story.