LeBron James missed Friday night’s game due to injury, but D’Angelo Russell made up for it with 21 of his season-high 44 points in the fourth quarter and a game-winning shot with 5.9 seconds remaining as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 123-122.

Just before the buzzer, Spencer Dinwiddie stopped Damian Lillard’s step-back jumper to preserve a thrilling victory for the Lakers. James, on the other hand, rested his ailing left ankle and missed his ninth game of the season altogether because of the ongoing injury.

Russell carried them with a terrific game that included nine 3-pointers, tying his career high, and nine assists. In the last 1:13, he scored eight points as the Lakers overcame a late deficit.

34 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists were scored by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite Lillard scoring eight of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, the Bucks lost for the second straight game.

With 2:53 remaining, Antetokounmpo’s jumper gave Milwaukee its first lead since the beginning of the second quarter. After two possessions, Lillard made a four-point play, but with 39 seconds remaining, Russell made a three-point shot to cut the Bucks’ advantage to just one point.

Russell drained a leaning 13-footer with 5.9 seconds remaining after Lillard missed a difficult layup to give the Lakers a chance. Then, Dinwiddie, starting for the first time for the Lakers in his hometown, blocked Lillard’s last attempt.

This was Antetokounmpo’s 43rd triple-double in his career, his eighth of the year, and his first since January 24. Pat Connaughton finished with a career-high 17 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the closing minutes.

For the Lakers, who have won 11 straight games as they struggle to gain any ground in the tough Western Conference, Anthony Davis had 22 points—just two in the fourth quarter—and 13 rebounds.

With four minutes remaining in the Lakers’ Wednesday night loss to Sacramento, James hobbled off the court due to the most recent flare-up of an ankle issue that has plagued the league’s top scorer for his 21st season. Even though James also missed two games during the All-Star break, coach Darvin Ham stated that the Lakers do not believe the injury will end the season.

When forced to play without James or Davis, Russell increased his offensive production once more, making confidence shots and using the ball well to distribute the ball offensively. He led the Lakers to a halftime lead with four 3-pointers, and they maintained that lead until Antetokounmpo and Lillard took control.

For the Lakers, Austin Reaves scored 18 more points.

Coach Doc Rivers of Milwaukee stated prior to kickoff that Khris Middleton is “close” to making a comeback from his damaged left ankle, which has kept him out of action for 13 games since February 6. Rivers would not rule out Middleton playing on Sunday against the Clippers.

He might be, according to Rivers. “I’m not sure. He will give it his all on practice Saturday. Whatever it means to you, I have a sense that he will return sooner rather than later.