Resurgent Lakers Secure Fifth Consecutive Win Against Pelicans
The Los Angeles Lakers, with their eyes firmly set on deep playoff aspirations, continued their relentless surge with a 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This win marks the Lakers' fifth consecutive triumph, catapulting them to an impressive 9-4 record early in the season.
At the heart of this latest victory was Anthony Davis, whose performance can only be described as dominant. Davis dropped 31 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, further stamping his authority as a pivotal force in the Lakers' resurgence. With a versatile game that has seen him score at least 30 points in eight contests this season, Davis is on a mission. It’s no wonder he described the impact of his performance as "huge for our team," underscoring both his individual brilliance and his understanding of the collective aspirations of the Lakers.
Davis' Evolution Beyond the Arc
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Davis’s game lies in his evolving perimeter shooting. In the matchup against the Pelicans, Davis connected on two of his four three-point attempts—a continuation of his trend over the last five games where he's maintained a 62.5% success rate from beyond the arc. These numbers are a stark improvement from his historical three-point shooting, where he managed a mere 25% between 2021 and 2024. This evolution has added a new dimension to the Lakers’ offensive arsenal.
Addressing his improved shooting range, Davis explained, “A lot of guys will be in the paint and try to help, especially big men. I fell victim to it a couple times. But it's just instinctual for a big to be in the paint, especially when one of the guards has the ball and they're driving or in a post-up." The ability to draw defenders out to the perimeter opens up the floor for teammates like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, allowing each to exploit mismatches effectively.
Davis further elaborated on his tactical shift, “So for me to be able to step out and make a couple 3s definitely put us over the hump and put the defense in a bind, especially the big men. They're either gonna leave me open or have [LeBron James], [Austin Reaves], [Rui Hachimura], whoever is in the post or has the ball, has single coverage and go to work.” This strategic diversification complicates defensive schemes against the Lakers, forcing opponents to pick their poison.
Lakers’ League-Leading Offense
While Davis garners deserved attention for his exploits, the entire Lakers squad has coalesced into a formidable unit. During their current five-game winning streak, the Lakers boast the best offensive rating in the league, with a formidable 122.6 rating. This team-wide offensive zenith has transformed the Lakers into arguably the hottest team in the league, pushing them up the standings and firming up their contender status.
The seamless synergy between Davis, James, and their supporting cast has been a spectacle for fans and analysts alike. With each player carving out their niche, the Lakers have found ways to exploit both offensive and defensive mismatches, consistently putting opponents on the back foot.
Despite the challenges and questions heading into the season, particularly regarding Davis's shooting and health, the Lakers have managed to silence many critics with their inspired play. The team's recent streak is not simply a testament to individual brilliance but a reflection of cohesive teamwork, strategic ingenuity, and a deep resolve permeating the locker room. As the season progresses, the Lakers will continue to keep a laser focus on maintaining their momentum and further enhancing their championship credentials.