The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive streak with a hard-fought 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking their fifth consecutive win and pushing their season record to an impressive 9-4. With the team hitting their stride, the Lakers have demonstrated a remarkable offensive outburst, having the best offensive rating in the league over this stretch at 122.6.
Dominance by Davis
Central to the Lakers' success is Anthony Davis, who was once again at the heart of the team’s triumph, delivering a commanding performance with 31 points and 14 rebounds. His shooting prowess from beyond the arc has been a game-changer, as Davis made two of his four three-point attempts against the Pelicans. This game marked the fifth consecutive outing where Davis has made multiple three-pointers, a testament to his improving long-range shot.
"It's huge for our team," Davis reflected on his performance post-game. The forward's ability to stretch the floor by adding three-point shooting to his already diverse skill set has forced defenses into difficult decisions. In Davis’s own words, "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."
A Transformative Three-Point Threat
Over the past five games, Davis has converted his three-point attempts at an impressive 62.5% success rate, a significant improvement considering his historical percentages. Between 2021 and 2024, he shot just 25% from the three-point line, a stark contrast to his earlier performance from 2018 to 2020 when he managed at least 33% each season. This recent uptick demonstrates how Davis has adapted his game to modern basketball's demands.
Davis elaborated on the impact of his shooting, saying, "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."
The Lakers’ Team Effort
While Davis’s performances have been pivotal, the Lakers' recent surge is not solely due to one individual. Their collective offensive prowess has been a strong point throughout the winning streak, with multiple players stepping up when needed. This balanced approach means that defenses cannot simply focus on Davis or LeBron James, as others like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are ready to capitalize on any defensive lapses.
The Lakers' sound execution on both ends of the floor continues to pose challenges for opponents. Their ability to adapt and find ways to win games even when faced with adversity showcases the depth and resilience of the team.
A Rising Tide
As the Lakers build on their winning momentum, their cohesive play and versatility have become trademarks of their basketball identity this season. With Anthony Davis leading the charge, the team looks poised to maintain their upward trajectory, staying prepared to tackle any challenges that come their way.
The Lakers’ recent performances have not only energized their fan base but have also served as a reminder to the rest of the league of the formidable force they can be when firing on all cylinders. As Davis and his teammates continue to elevate their game, the Lakers are proving that they are a team to watch closely this season.