Lakers beat Pelicans in new-look lineup.
LOS ANGELES — The Lakers' new-look offense sparks a win over the Pelicans, beating New Orleans 120–102 on Thursday to improve their record to 27–32.
Despite shooting 27% (10-for-37) from three and 61% (22-for-36) from the free throw line, the Lakers' constant energy throughout helped secure the victory, outscoring the Pelicans 65–51 in the second half.
“This was definitely a great step in the right direction,” said head coach Darvin Ham.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell accounted for 70 points, 18 rebounds, 18 assists, three blocks, and a steal combined.
“We came out the gates running,” said Anthony Davis.
Anthony Davis was the Lakers' leading scorer with 28 points on the night, going 13-for-17 from the floor with ten rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes.
LeBron James finished with 21 points on 50% (7-for-14) shooting, notching six rebounds, six assists, and a block in 29 minutes.
D'Angelo Russell's official return to Los Angeles came in the third quarter when he knocked down a pull-up transition three, a skill the Lakers haven't had in a long time, drawing roars from the Crypto crowd, which Russell felt as he roared back, saying “Like I never left.”
Russell finished with 21 points on 3-of-5 (60%) shooting from behind the arc and 5-for-12 (42%) overall, adding seven assists and two rebounds in 27 minutes.
The Lakers' new lineup consisted of a group fans have been screaming about having once LeBron returned from his ankle injury, consisting of:
D’Angelo Russell
Malik Beasley
LeBron James
Jarred Vanderbilt
Anthony Davis
Leaving Dennis Schröder and Rui Hachimura to come off the bench and command the second unit, including Austin Reaves, Troy Brown Jr., and Mo Bamba/Wenyen Gabriel.
The new lineup brought a different energy the Lakers haven't had all season, a balance they've lacked since before last season. Who would have thought “balance?” A concept.
The focus moving forward for the Lakers is consistency. In a tight race in the Western Conference to secure a spot in the playoffs/play-in tournament, the Lakers must maintain a consistent float at this level of basketball to climb the standings.
The Lakers will get a much-needed seven-day rest for the all-star weekend, playing the Golden State Warriors at home when they return from the break on February 23rd at 7:00 p.m. on TNT.
