The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive run with a thrilling 104-99 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, showcasing their championship aspirations with a fifth consecutive win. This remarkable stretch of form has elevated their record to 9-4 and established them as an offensive powerhouse in the league.
Anthony Davis: The Driving Force
Central to the Lakers' recent success has been the stellar play of Anthony Davis. Against the Pelicans, Davis delivered a dominant performance, scoring 31 points and pulling down 14 rebounds, further asserting his status as the team's linchpin. "It's huge for our team," Davis reflected, capturing the significance of their winning run.
His offensive production has been nothing short of spectacular, with Davis scoring at least 30 points in eight games this season. This surge in output is bolstered by a newfound proficiency from beyond the arc, a development that is causing opponents headaches. Against New Orleans, Davis connected on two of his four three-point attempts, the fifth consecutive game in which he’s made multiple shots from long range.
Stretching the Floor: A New Dimension
For Davis, this evolution in his game represents a strategic advantage, not just for himself but for the entire Lakers offense. "A lot of guys will be in the paint and try to help, especially big men," he explained. "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."
This ability to stretch the floor is crucial for the Lakers' offensive schemes, allowing them to maintain their league-leading offensive rating of 122.6 during the winning streak. "So for me to be able to step out and make a couple of 3s definitely put us over the hump and put the defense in a bind, especially the big men," Davis elaborated. "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."
An Unprecedented Turnaround from Long Range
Davis's recent three-point shooting prowess is a notable departure from his career norms. Historically, between 2021 and 2024, he struggled with a 25% shooting percentage from downtown. However, a remarkable turnaround has seen him hit 62.5% of his attempts over the past five games. This improvement mirrors his shooting form from the 2018-2020 seasons, where he consistently managed at least 33% from three.
The resurgence of Davis’s outside shooting adds a critical layer to his game and offers a strategic boon for the Lakers as they drive deeper into the season. The ability for Davis to draw defenders away from the basket bolsters the Lakers' attack options, granting stars like LeBron James more freedom to operate both inside and out.
Lakers: A Team in Sync
The Lakers' success is not solely down to Davis, as they've maintained a well-coordinated team effort on both ends of the court. However, his impact cannot be understated, as he embodies the blend of skill, strategy, and tenacity that the team displays on a nightly basis. This period of success places the Lakers firmly in the conversation as one of the premier teams in the league, with what seems like a sustainable model for continued excellence.
With Davis at the helm, the Lakers have positioned themselves as a formidable force. His ability to consistently deliver high-scoring performances while stretching the opposition's defense bodes well for the team's aspirations as they navigate through the season. Whether Davis can maintain this level remains to be seen, but for now, the Lakers appear poised for a promising trajectory.