In a tightly contested showdown, the Los Angeles Lakers edged past the New Orleans Pelicans 104-99, notching their fifth consecutive victory and solidifying their position as a team to watch in this NBA season. With a current standing of 9-4, the Lakers have been riding high on both team synergy and individual brilliance.
Anthony Davis Shines Brightly
At the center of the Lakers' recent success is the phenomenal performance of Anthony Davis, whose prowess on the court has been nothing short of extraordinary. Against the Pelicans, Davis put up an impressive 31 points and secured 14 rebounds, acting as an undeniable force on both ends of the court. This game adds to his illustrious record this season, marking the eighth time he has scored at least 30 points in a single match.
Beyond his scoring capabilities, Davis has expanded his range dramatically in recent contests. Against New Orleans, he was successful in two of his four attempts from beyond the arc. This performance highlights his evolution as a player who can stretch the floor, offering versatility that defies the traditional expectations of a player of his size and position.
"It's huge for our team," Davis observed regarding his ability to drain three-pointers, a skill that has significantly impacted the Lakers' offensive strategies. His current five-game streak of multiple three-point shots per game showcases a remarkable improvement in his shooting. With a stellar three-point success rate of 62.5% over this winning run, Davis’ transformation from long-range is noteworthy, especially considering his historical average of just 25% between 2021 and 2024. His performance harks back to the seasons between 2018 and 2020 when he maintained a respectable proficiency, shooting at least 33% from deep each year.
Strategies and Impact
Davis's recent shooting form is more than just a personal milestone; it's a tactical advantage. "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 explains. This ability to draw defenders away from the basket and create space has been integral to the Lakers’ high-powered offense, which boasts the league's best offensive rating during their win streak at 122.6.
For Davis, being efficient from beyond the arc means he isn't just a threat but a strategic puzzle for defenses to solve. "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," Davis elucidates. This dual threat not only empowers Davis but liberates fellow Lakers LeBron James and others, affording them more freedom to operate and execute plays.
The Bigger Picture
As the Lakers continue to build on their winning momentum, the integration of Anthony Davis's outside shooting with the team's overall strategy seems to be a recipe for sustained success. While the season is still early, these performances underscore the potential for a deep playoff run. The combination of elite talent, strategic versatility, and cohesive teamwork positions the Lakers as a formidable adversary for any NBA contender.
With each game, the Lakers demonstrate the kind of mettle that champions are made of, and at the heart of it all is Davis—not just as a towering inside presence but as a multidimensional player capable of altering the landscape of every match he plays in. The Lakers look to him to continue being a centerpiece of their aspirations as they forge ahead in an ambitious campaign.