Strong Showing for Lakers as Winning Streak Continues
The Los Angeles Lakers added another victory to their already impressive run, securing a tightly contested 104-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. This latest triumph extends the Lakers’ winning streak to five games and boosts their season record to 9-4. The game showcased the exceptional skills of Anthony Davis, who has been pivotal in the Lakers’ recent successes.
Anthony Davis: A Force on the Court
Anthony Davis was the standout performer, delivering a stellar game that saw him rack up 31 points, complemented by 14 rebounds. His performance against the Pelicans is part of a remarkable streak this season, having scored at least 30 points in eight games. Davis’s prowess was not confined to the paint, as he also demonstrated his growing confidence beyond the arc by making two of his four three-point attempts.
Commenting on his game, Davis remarked, "It's huge for our team." His ability to step outside and challenge defenses has added a new dimension to the Lakers’ offense. "A lot of guys will be in the paint and try to help, especially big men," Davis explained. "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."
Davis's successful shooting from long range has become a critical part of his arsenal. Over the past five games, he has achieved a remarkable 62.5% success rate on his three-point attempts. This evolution in Davis’s playstyle challenges the league’s dynamics, especially since he traditionally struggled from deep, shooting only 25% on three-point attempts between 2021 and 2024. This season, however, he seems to have rediscovered the form he maintained between 2018 and 2020, when he consistently shot over 33% from beyond the arc.
"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," Davis noted. "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."
Lakers’ Offensive Edge
The Lakers' winning streak is bolstered by an outstanding offensive rating, which currently leads the league at 122.6 during this period. This superior offensive output has made them a formidable opponent, capable of outpacing defenses with both perimeter shooting and dominant paint play. The strategic use of their offensive weapons, including leveraging Davis's expanded range, has allowed them to excel even against challenging opponents like the Pelicans.
Davis's ability to stretch the defense with effective three-point shooting allows other key players such as LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura more freedom inside and single coverage opportunities. This seamless meshing of inside-outside play has become a cornerstone of the Lakers’ potent arsenal, often leaving opposing defenses scrambling to adapt.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers, buoyed by their recent successes, continue to look like a well-rounded team capable of challenging for top honors. As they persist on this upward trajectory, they will rely heavily on Davis not just for his scoring but also for his ability to transform the team’s offensive dynamics. His evolution into a multifaceted threat on the court underscores his value to the Lakers and highlights the greater strategic options now available to head coach Darvin Ham.
The Lakers’ resilience and strategic acumen exhibited in these last five games underscore their strength and depth as they march forward. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial as they continue their pursuit of excellence throughout the season.