While they wait for LeBron, the Lakers bounce back against the Pelicans

No bad surprises for the Lakers in New Orleans. JJ Redick’s players showed seriousness to dominate the Pelicans who were too limited (104-118) and still deprived Zion Williamson. The evening is almost perfect for Los Angeles, which for its part could recover LeBron James next week, JJ Redick confirmed.

Before the start of the season for their veteran star, the Lakers already have a lot of work to do Luka Dončić. The Slovenian uses a two-man hold to open up shooting positions. Austin Reaves then Marcus Smart. The start of the match was slow, so it was Reeves’ turn to play maestro on the Californian side.

And it works: The guard connected on seven straight points to start Los Angeles and a 15-0 run capped by another basket near the circle (11-25).

Doncic’s show to widen the gap, Reeves’ to maintain it

Lacking coverage in the paint, the Pelicans rely on offensive talent Trey Murphy III. The wing is everywhere offensively and New Orleans is coming back bit by bit. Luka Dončić on the bench to breathe, NOLA comes to life thanks to his other knives Saddiq Bey etc Jose Alvarado.

The Lakers went bankrupt due to outside shots, and the home team returned to one possession (35-37). Dončić chose the moment to return to the game and change the entire dynamics of the second quarter. For four minutes we only see “Luka Magic”, from afar, in aggression or in distribution. Sam (14 points and 5 assists in nine minutes), gave the Lakers some fresh air, leading 65-52 at the break on a layup… Doncic for Deandre Ayton.

Los Angeles makes life easy by exploiting the Pelicans’ weaknesses to perfection. Waiting too much for the fall, the Louisiana team can not make up for everything with the bravery of Murphy, but to 30 points at the end of the third quarter. But “NOLA” runs more after the score than in defensive transition and it pays off in cash. Los Angeles goes another 11-0 with everyone involved. The advantage of the guests increases to 22 units (66-88).

The locals have the merit of not giving up and applying the same method as in the first period: pressing the gas as soon as Luka Dončić is on the bench. More liberated, the Pelicans let off 3-pointers with Bey and Alvarado as the main fireworks.

With a lead of 15-1, they regain some interest at the end of the meeting that has been shaky so far (88-96). Luka Doncic is back on the floor, but this time Austin Reeves is taking control of the operations. Very well, the backfield controls the end of the game, despite New Orleans’ last-ditch effort to close the gap. The final 10-1 in the last two minutes sealed the logical victory of the Lakers.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Duo Dončić – Reeves again at the helm. Less than Oklahoma City had him by the throat during their previous outing, the Lakers’ backcourt dictated the law, making just 26 free throws. Luka Dončić constantly attracted the defense of New Orleans, and although he was clumsy, he did not exaggerate to manage the game better (24 points on 6/16, 12 assists, 7 rebounds). Reaves was more energetic shooting and finished with 31 points and 7 assists.

– Franchise record for Jeremiah Fears. In their slump, the Pelicans can see at least a small ray of sunshine with their rookies. Jeremiah Fears tied the all-time franchise record with eight interceptions, previously held by Herb Jones with seven on February 22, 2024 against the Rockets. The seventh overall pick battled to the finish with four steals in the final quarter to go with his 19 points.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.