LOS ANGELES — The Lakers‘ The first impression of Wednesday’s revamped lineup was also the last look they got as a team ahead of the All-Star break. And that’s a good one.
“I think we’ll keep building tonight,” LeBron James said after scoring 21 points in the Lakers’ win 120-102 via New Orleans Pelicans, playing for the first time since LA overhauled its team on trade deadlines. “I think our skill sets fit together.”
LA rolled out its 30th different starting lineup in its 59th game of the season – the most in the NBA – but this one, there were three new players acquired in the season. D’Angelo Russell at the guard point, Malik Beasley when shooting guards and Jarred Vanderbilt When the power is forward, it seems to press right away.
The Lakers took a 12-2 lead and didn’t look back, pushing their advantage to 20 against the Pelicans they were trying to catch in the Western Conference playoff picture.
“It’s good,” said Anthony Davis, who led LA with 28 points shooting 13 to 17 along with 10 rebounds and two saves. “Firstly, for us to win when everything comes to halftime, to feel good about ourselves and not let a single loss drag on for the next six, seven days. …But for ranking purposes, it’s also a good win for us.”
With an overall scoreline of 27-32, the Lakers were 13th in the West – 10th seed and 6th seed lost 2 games and 3½ losses to the 6th seed, which guaranteed a place in the first round without qualifying tournament. .
“We still have a lot of work to do,” said James, who returned for the game against the Pelicans after a three-game absence with pain in his left foot and ankle. “And every game is going to be difficult for us, especially for extended periods of time, knowing the push we need to make. I want you to enjoy the break but don’t train. focus 100% of the effort because we want to come back and try to keep this going.
“I’m really pleased with what we’re producing, but it’s going to take a lot of commitment from us going forward, so I’m looking forward to that.”
James made his first public comments on submitted transactions Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson And Damian Jones arrive Utah Jazz; Patrick Beverley arrives Orlando magic; And Thomas Bryant arrive Denver nuggets. James re-evaluated the players the Lakers received.
“First, I shout out loud and greet those who have left,” James said. “Russ, Pat, JTA, DJ and Thomas. Those five boys. We all started the season together and tried to work on making some things happen and being the best that we had. So I salute those people and their friends assuring us that we’ll try to be the best we can be when we’re in the ring. now, I mean, I like the people we’re going to be. I mean, it’s going to take a while for us to get to know each other, but I know they play the game at a high level.”
Russell had 21 points and 7 assists against New Orleans.
“I know D-Lo is a really good, crafty point guard,” James said of the former Lakers No. 2 pick, back during his second stint with the franchise. “He can make space on the floor. Very cunning. Very deceiving with his agility, the way he plays the game.”
Beasley only won 2 to 7 from 3, but added 15 in his 23 minutes.
“Obviously, we’ve got the laser in Malik that we haven’t had this season,” James said. “A guy, whenever he’s on the floor, no matter if he can do it or not, you have to respect him for his ability to shoot the ball. He feels like JR Smith that he can miss 10 in a row and he can make 10 in a row right after that.”
Vanderbilt scored six points, made all three of his shots and added four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block during the test. Brandon Ingram on defense.
“Vando is a Swiss Army knife,” James said. “He can do anything. His defensive ability, his offensive ability that you saw tonight.”
Mo Bamba also made his Lakers debut on Wednesday, fouled for 16 minutes, but scored six rebounds, three saves and scored a one-handed hit after James’ pitch while he was out there.
“I just love what we can pick up,” James said.
