The Los Angeles Lakers showcased their resilience and superb form with a narrow 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This triumph not only marked their fifth consecutive win but also underscored the Lakers' current status as the hottest team in the league, embellishing their season record to an impressive 9-4.
Central to this winning streak has been the aggressive and impactful performances of Anthony Davis. Against the Pelicans, Davis was in sensational form, leading the charge with 31 points and 14 rebounds. This performance was a continuation of his impressive season, during which he has scored at least 30 points in eight games. Davis’s ability to influence the game on both ends is becoming a consistent theme for the Lakers this season.
Particularly noteworthy in Davis’s recent performances is his three-point shooting, an area where he has demonstrated marked improvement. Against New Orleans, Davis successfully made two of his four attempts from beyond the arc. This game marked his fifth consecutive outing where he registered multiple three-point shots. Reflecting on this aspect of his game, Davis noted, "It's huge for our team." His ability to stretch the floor has become an invaluable asset, as he elaborated, "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's recent performances from deep are particularly significant given his historical struggles in that department. From 2021 to 2024, he managed only a 25% accuracy from the three-point line. However, in his last five games, Davis has shot an impressive 62.5% from beyond the arc, indicating a remarkable turnabout. His present efficiency is reminiscent of his early career years from 2018 to 2020 when he routinely shot over 33% from three-point land each season.
Explaining the impact of his improved perimeter shooting, Davis said, "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 hit from downtown forces defenses to make tough choices, opening up the paint for teammates and giving the Lakers a significant tactical advantage.
The Lakers have leveraged this tactical versatility to become the most potent offensive team in their recent surge, boasting a league-best 122.6 offensive rating during their winning streak. This offensive fluidity, paired with strong defensive efforts, has propelled the Lakers into early title contention discussions.
As the Lakers bask in their current form, much of their fortunes hinge on maintaining the health and performance levels of key players like Davis. His multifaceted gameplay is proving essential in defining the Lakers’ identity this season. With continued performances like these, the Lakers look poised to tackle the challenges of the remaining season with heightened expectations and ambitions. In a roster rich with talent but necessitating cohesion and consistency, Anthony Davis is emerging as the linchpin that holds the Lakers' championship hopes together.