Lakers lifted by starters in win over Pelicans
The Lakers redeemed themselves on the second night of a back-to-back behind 119 points combined from their starters to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 139–122 on Friday.
L.A.’s 17-point win improves their record to 28-26, marking their fourth win in the previous five games.
The offense exploded for 51 points in the second quarter, which resulted in an 87-point outing at the half. The first-half burst was the second-most points in a half in franchise history (89 in 1987 vs. PHX), according to Spectrum SportsNet.
The starters’ D’Angelo Russell (30 points), Austin Reaves (27 points), Rui Hachimura (21 points), LeBron James (21 points, 14 assists), and Anthony Davis (20 points) all scored over 20 points to combine for 119 of the Lakers 139 total points.
“All of us are just sharing the basketball,” Davis said on the starting unit. “We’ve been doing a good job of playing together, playing for each other, and the result of that is you have guys shooting with confidence.”
Davis said Hachimiura responded with a big game after they got on him after scoring just two points in 37 minutes in their loss against the Nuggets on Thursday.
Despite having a looming shadow loom over him almost all season in countless trade rumors, Russell has been one of the best-impacting scores on the roster while remaining professional.
“Keep taking the hate like a champ,” Russell said in his response to the outside noise.
After going 6-for-16 against Denver, Reaves responded with an efficient 3-for-4 (75%) shooting from three and 10-for-15 (66.6%) from the field.
Potential buyout candidate Spencer Dinwiddie sat courtside at tonight’s game next to Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka. He was seen waiting outside the Lakers locker room after the win.
“I’m a fan. Y’all will get to know him soon,” said Russell on his former teammate Dinwiddie.
In 48 games for the Nets, the 6-foot, 5-inch point guard averaged 12.6 points and 6.0 assists and shot 32% from three on 5.8 attempts.
The Lakers will have a three-day rest as they remain at home in their next matchup on Tuesday against the 8-43 Detriot Pistons at 7:30 p.m.
