In a pivotal matchup at the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Lakers claimed a hard-fought 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, extending their winning streak to an impressive five games. With this triumph, the Lakers improved their record to a commendable 9-4, further solidifying their standing in the league.
Anthony Davis Dominates
Anthony Davis was a force to be reckoned with, delivering a standout performance that has become increasingly familiar to Lakers fans. Davis scored 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, showcasing his offensive prowess and dominance on the boards. This marked yet another game where the star forward tallied over 30 points, having achieved this feat in eight games throughout the season.
Known for his versatility, Davis has adapted his game to extend beyond the paint, a transformation that has significantly contributed to the Lakers' recent success. Against the Pelicans, he sank two of his four attempts from three-point range, continuing a trend in his gameplay that has seen him consistently score from beyond the arc. Commenting on his evolving role on the court, Davis stated, "It's huge for our team." By stretching defenses with his ability to hit outside shots, Davis creates opportunities not just for himself but for his teammates as well.
Strategic Edge
The strategic advantage of Davis's expanded range cannot be understated. Reflecting on the implications of his perimeter shooting, Davis noted, "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." By stepping out and nailing a couple of threes, Davis forces the defense into making difficult decisions. "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," he added.
The stats support this narrative; Davis has maintained a 62.5% success rate from beyond the arc over the past five games. A significant improvement from his historical three-point shooting average between 2021 and 2024, where he struggled at 25%, this surge resembles his shooting proficiency from the 2018-2020 seasons when he consistently shot over 33% from the three-point line.
Offensive Juggernaut
During this five-game winning streak, the Lakers' offense has been nothing short of prolific, earning the best offensive rating in the league at 122.6. This surge highlights not just individual brilliance but also the cohesive execution of team strategies that have been fine-tuned over the course of the season. The Lakers' ability to adapt and evolve is proving to be a critical element of their sustained success.
With Anthony Davis at the helm, showing versatility and leadership on the court, the Lakers are certainly putting the league on notice. As Davis continues to refine his game and expand his signature style of play, the Lakers are reaping the benefits, reinvigorated by his resurgence and the broader team's collaborative efforts. As they continue with this newfound momentum, the question remains: How far can they ride this wave of success?