The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive winning streak with a gritty 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This latest triumph marks the Lakers' fifth consecutive win, bolstering their record to a solid 9-4. Central to this winning surge has been the stellar performance of Anthony Davis, who once again stole the show with a dominant display.
Anthony Davis Shines Bright
Anthony Davis delivered a masterclass on the court, scoring 31 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. His performance was pivotal not only in securing the win but also in maintaining the Lakers' upward trajectory in the league standings. Davis's ability to consistently score 30 or more points is becoming a regular occurrence, as he has now achieved this feat in eight games this season.
One of the critical aspects of Davis's recent success has been his improved shot from beyond the arc. Against the Pelicans, Davis sank two of his four three-point attempts. This game marked his fifth consecutive outing with multiple successful three-point shots, highlighting his growing confidence and accuracy from long range.
A Transformation from Range
Davis's recent three-point success is a sharp contrast to his earlier performances from 2021 to 2024, where he shot just 25% from distance. However, in previous seasons from 2018 to 2020, he managed a respectable three-point shooting percentage of at least 33%. Over the last five games, Davis has been on a tear, boasting an impressive 62.5% success rate from beyond the arc.
Reflecting on the impact of his enhanced shooting, Davis remarked, "It's huge for our team." His ability to step back and hit crucial shots stretches defenses, particularly the big men, forcing them to make tough decisions. "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 explained.
With a confident shot from range, Davis adds a versatile threat that complicates opposing teams' defensive schemes. "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," Davis added. "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."
Lakers' Offensive Machine
Part of the Lakers' recent success can be attributed to their explosiveness on offense. During this winning streak, Los Angeles boasts the best offensive rating in the league, with a staggering rating of 122.6. This level of offensive efficiency has been a significant factor in outlasting opponents, as evidenced in their narrow victory over the Pelicans.
Finding a groove offensively, the Lakers have shown they can win tight contests or run away with games when opportunities present themselves. This balance of grit and firepower fortifies their position as one of the top contenders in the NBA early into the season.
With Davis firing on all cylinders and the team clicking on both ends of the floor, the Lakers are beginning to look like a finely tuned machine capable of sustaining this high level of performance. As they continue to build on this momentum, the Lakers have a promising outlook for the rest of the season. The combination of their robust defense and high-caliber offensive output makes them a formidable opponent for any challenger in the league.
As the Lakers roll on with their win streak, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far this surge of form can take them. With Anthony Davis anchoring both the scoring and defensive efforts, the Lakers are poised to continue making noise in the NBA.