In a thrilling face-off at the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their offensive prowess by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 104-99, marking their fifth consecutive victory. This win solidifies the Lakers' stunning performance streak, taking their season record to an impressive 9-4.
At the heart of this victory was Anthony Davis, whose remarkable performance continues to anchor the Lakers' success. Davis delivered an outstanding game, scoring 31 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. Once again, he proved to be a pivotal figure by demonstrating his scoring versatility, notching at least 30 points for the eighth time this season. This level of consistency is vital as the Lakers aim to maintain their upward trajectory this season.
One of the renaissance threads in Davis's recent games has been his three-point shooting. Against the Pelicans, he connected on two of four attempts from beyond the arc, showcasing a significant improvement from his historical average. Over the last five games, Davis has managed to attain a scorching 62.5% success rate from distance. This statistic is particularly notable given his previous years' performances, where he shot 25% on three-point attempts between 2021 and 2024. With this newfound accuracy, the Lakers have added a vital dimension to their offensive strategy.
Reflecting on his performance, Davis remarked, "It's huge for our team." His ability to stretch the floor has placed additional pressure on opposing defenses. "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," Davis explained. This shift creates opportunities not only for him but also for teammates such as LeBron James, Austin Reaves, or Rui Hachimura to exploit single coverage.
As Davis elaborated further, "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 ability to stretch the floor has been instrumental for the Lakers, empowering their players to capitalize on mismatches and enhance spacing on the court.
The Lakers' current winning streak is also reflected in their elevated offensive rating. During this period, they possess the league's best offensive rating, clocking in at 122.6. This metric confirms the strategic adjustments and individual improvements that have been key to their recent success.
As the season progresses, the Lakers will look to sustain this momentum, with Davis at the forefront. His improved shooting range is certain to keep defenses guessing and, alongside the continued excellence of his teammates, sets the stage for potentially deep playoff aspirations. For now, the Lakers' fans can rejoice in a team that, led by Davis, consistently finds ways to secure victories through tenacity, skill, and a finely tuned offensive machine.