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The Lakers (36-24) will remain at home as they host the New Orleans Pelicans (19-43) on Tuesday. L.A. looks to sweep the season series against New Orleans for the second season in a row.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Mar 3
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers commendably took care of business over the weekend by stringing together back-to-back blowout victories against Pacific Division counterparts. It doesn’t fully make up for the losing skid they recently endured, but it’s certainly a good sign that this team is back on track.
The best part of the last two victories was that several developments stood out, all of which could be considered integral for the Lakers’ success in this last stretch of the season and playoff time.
Here’s what we saw in the last two games:
Luka Kennard stepping up
Kennard put up 27 points off the bench in the two games, making him the highest scorer among the non-starters. This is a huge development for the purple and gold because not only does Luke improve their bench scoring, but he also provides another threat in their above-average offense with his ability to space the floor, cut to the basket, screen for his teammates and operate off the ball at all times.
The last two games showed how huge an X-factor the newest Laker can be every single game and that’s a huge advantage for them.
Lakers got their shooting rhythm back
The common denominator in the Lakers’ three-game losing streak was their shooting struggles. It happens to most teams and it’s a matter of how quickly they can snap out of it. The Lakers were able to do that over the weekend thanks to a number of things.
Austin Reaves and LeBron James shot better, there was more ball movement on offense and there was an improved mix of lineup and rotations. These all played a role in their victories over the last two games and the hope is for the team to carry them over moving forward.
The team winning means good vibes are back
For as inconsistent as this team has been all season, what has never been a problem is their chemistry. They seem to know how to have fun around each other and that becomes more prominent when they win games. Just look at how Rui Hachimura was the target of laughs prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings last Sunday.
Or when the team was cheering on Maxi Kleber, who had himself a night against the Kings as well:
All these prove that the team is not entirely in disarray and there are a couple of things worth being hopeful about moving forward. Only time will tell if it’s enough to make a huge impact for the Lakers’ success down the line.
But in the meantime, they’re worth taking note of as each game passes. Let’s see if the Lakers can continue to build on their recent success and make it three wins in a row against the Pelicans on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
- The Pelicans team that the Lakers will face are also one of the worst defensive teams in the league because they struggle to guard the perimeter and allow too many easy transition points. They also don’t rebound the ball very well and don’t really have the depth on offense to make up for their flaws. The Lakers should be able to take advantage.
- Moreover, the Lakers have owned the Pelicans over the last two seasons as they’ve won nine out of their last 10 games against them.
- There are no injuries stated on the Lakers’ injury report for this one.
- Zion Williams (right ankle sprain) is officially listed as questionable. However, he confirmed he’s expecting to suit up for this one.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.