Davis leads way in Lakers' seventh straight win, James out

 Anthony Davis had 23 points and six rebounds in three quarters and the Los Angeles Lakers won their seventh straight game and NBA-record 18th in a row on the road against the Western Conference, beating the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors 116-86 on Thursday night without LeBron James.

Rajon Rondo started in place of James and contributed 12 points and six assists as Los Angeles turned it into a rout with a 40-17 third quarter. James sat out because of recurring soreness in his troublesome left groin.

Davis shot 6 for 13, made 10 of 12 free throws and also had a pair of blocked shots and steals for the Lakers, whose 12 first-half turnovers allowed the Warriors to keep it close. Kyle Kuzma added 18 points off the bench.

Rookie Eric Paschall scored 23 points off the bench for his 11th 20-point game and Jordan Poole had 16 in the Warriors’ eighth straight loss both overall and at home in new Chase Center. Poole limped off with 5:44 remaining in the third after rolling his right ankle then later returned after getting it re-taped — but it briefly left Golden State with eight available players, two of those on 10-day deals.

Golden State guard Ky Bowman went down with 1:11 to play and was helped off.

Golden State forward Draymond Green's return from a two-game absence with a bruise in his right pelvic area was a short one: He was ejected 5:45 before halftime on his second technical just 11 seconds after his first at 5:56.

Golden State also missed Andrew Wiggins, a late scratch with spasms in his upper back. The Warriors hung tough early but couldn't stay with the Lakers as they did in Los Angeles' 125-120 win here Feb. 8.

And if it couldn't get worse for the home team, beloved Lakers super-sub Alex Caruso drew late MVP chants as the arena quickly emptied.

JAMES UPDATE

James had already been ruled out on Wednesday.

James, who missed 27 games last season nursing the tender groin he hurt Christmas Day 2018 at Golden State, scored a season-high 40 points in Tuesday’s home victory against Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr can look at James as an example of a superstar taking it up to a new level after a full offseason given the Lakers star had played in eight straight NBA Finals before last year.

Golden State has reached five Finals in a row, but not this season — so players such as Stephen Curry, Green and Klay Thompson may benefit from extended rest.

“Watching LeBron, he looks refreshed, he looks recharged. The idea of eight straight Finals in insane when you think about five here and what it's done and how our players have felt this past year and the injuries that have hit,” Kerr said. “I do believe that when all is said and done, by next year's training camp our guys should feel recharged and refreshed and ready to go. Hopefully that's the case. LeBron's also LeBron. He's built differently than most people.”

TIP-INS

Lakers: The Lakers have won the initial three meetings with one left April 7 in L.A. This marks their first victory in the season series vs. Golden State since going 3-1 during the 2012-13 season and the Lakers’ first time winning both games on the Warriors’ home floor since sweeping all four games in 2011-12. ... Los Angeles improved to 18-1 overall away from Staples Center vs. the West, having lost its “road” opener Oct. 22 vs. the Clippers at Staples Center. The Lakers won their fourth consecutive road game overall to improve to 24-5 on the season.

UP NEXT

Lakers: At the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night looking for a 4-0 season sweep before a quick turnaround to play Sunday at New Orleans. The Lakers are 8-0 this season when playing consecutive days on the road.

Warriors: At the Phoenix Suns on Saturday after losing their last one in the desert, 112-106 on Feb. 12. This marks the start of the team’s seventh set of back-to-backs this season.