The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive form, showcasing a resilient performance that saw them edging past the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 104-99. This victory marks their fifth consecutive win, establishing them as a dominant force with a 9-4 record in the season.
Leading the charge for the Lakers was the ever-reliable Anthony Davis, whose contribution proved invaluable once again. Davis poured in 31 points and amassed an impressive 14 rebounds. His performance was pivotal, as he continues to shine for the Lakers, consistently crossing the 30-point threshold in eight games this season. A crucial aspect of his game against the Pelicans was his proficiency beyond the arc, where he registered two successful shots out of four attempts. This game also marked his fifth consecutive outing with multiple three-point conversions, a testament to his evolving shooting range.
Anthony Davis: A Transformative Force
The evolution of Anthony Davis's perimeter shooting has been a revelation for the Lakers. Across the last five contests, Davis has achieved a remarkable 62.5% success rate from three-point land, a sharp ascent from his previous struggles. Historically, between 2021 and 2024, Davis managed only a 25% success rate from beyond the arc. Yet, his recent form mirrors the early promise he showed from 2018 to 2020, where he consistently shot at least 33% from the three-point line each season.
In his own words, Davis remarked on the importance of stepping up in crucial games: "It's huge for our team." His improvement from the outside has forced defenses into tough decisions, given his multi-faceted threat. Davis further elaborated on the challenge opposing teams now face, saying, "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 continued, "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' Offensive Prowess
Underpinning the Lakers' recent success is their outstanding offensive rating during the current winning streak. With a league-leading rating of 122.6, the team has been firing on all cylinders, creating a balanced attack where multiple players can assume scoring responsibilities when needed. This depth poses a significant challenge for opposing defenses, who struggle to concentrate their efforts solely on stopping Davis, given the array of other weapons at the Lakers' disposal.
Throughout this streak, the synergy between Davis and his teammates has been evident, with players like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura contributing meaningfully. The dynamic offense has unlocked various facets of their game plan, offering different routes to victory depending on the opponent. This adaptability will be crucial as the season progresses, particularly in close encounters like the game against the Pelicans, where strategic interventions were necessary to clinch victory.
As the Lakers continue to build momentum, the contribution of Anthony Davis remains at the heart of their ambitions. His improved shooting will keep opposing teams on edge, as they grapple with the dual threat he poses inside and out. For Los Angeles, maintaining this level of play will be key in their pursuit of championship glory, leveraging both the star power of Davis and the collective strength of their roster. With each game, they further establish themselves as a formidable opponent, drawing upon their recent successes to fuel their journey through a challenging season.