Sixers-Lakers observations: Stars coexisting; Ben Simmons with another All-Star-worthy game

LOS ANGELES — The 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 121-105, at the Staples Center on Tuesday night. Here are my main takeaways:

- The Sixers look nothing like the bunch of guys who had a tough time coexisting a couple of weeks ago. They appear to be getting along while sharing the ball.

- Sixers coach Brett Brown is starting to take advantage of his players' strengths. Running the offense through Jimmy Butler and having Ben Simmons play sort of a point forward will give the Sixers a better chance to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs.

- It’s hard to imagine Simmons' not being named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve on Thursday. His versatility is next-level type of stuff. The scary part is that he’s only going to get better once he gets a consistent jump shot.

- Without LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma playing, the Lakers looked like a squad that was still tanking. The Sixers scored 34 points off the Lakers’ 21 turnovers. Most of them were unforced.

Best performance: I had to give this to Butler, who finished with 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting to go with six assists, five steals, one block and a turnover after being sidelined the past three games with a sprained right wrist.

Worst performance: This goes to Lance Stephenson on a night that Corey Brewer missed all six of his shots. Stephenson did score eight points, making 2 of 8 shots. However, the Lakers reserve committed four turnovers in 15 minutes, 50 seconds of action and graded out at a minus-13.

Best defensive performance: This goes to Butler. His five steals were the most he’s had since being acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in November.

Worst statistic: This goes to the Lakers' turnovers.

Best statistic: This goes to the Sixers' scoring at least 30 points in the first quarter for the fifth straight game. They had 39 points on 15-for-27 shooting.