Lakers Eye 7th Straight Win Against Resurgent Pelicans

The Los Angeles Lakers have been on a tear, steamrolling through opponents even after a roster shakeup at the trade deadline. With a six-game winning streak in hand, they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, looking to continue their surge up the Western Conference standings.

Los Angeles has managed to stay dominant despite injuries, winning back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Clippers without Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves. Hachimura remains out with a knee injury, while Reaves played only nine minutes in the first game against the Clippers before exiting with a calf issue.

Even without key starters, the Lakers found a way to grind out a 106-102 win on Sunday, with Luka Doncic leading the charge with 29 points and nine assists. Head coach JJ Redick praised Doncic’s competitive fire, calling his energy and intensity an asset to the team.

“He played fantastic tonight,” Redick said. “That verve, that spirit of competition—it’s something that just comes out of him, and it’s fantastic for us when it does.”

LeBron James chipped in 17 points and nine assists, while the reshuffled starting lineup featured Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent stepping into bigger roles.

One of the biggest contributors to Sunday’s victory was rookie Dalton Knecht, who dropped 19 points, marking his highest-scoring game since January 28. Ironically, Knecht was almost traded at the deadline in a deal that would have sent him to Charlotte for big man Mark Williams, but when the trade fell through, he stayed in Los Angeles. Now, he’s proving his worth in a Lakers uniform.

Pelicans Finding Their Groove After Major Trade

The New Orleans Pelicans have turned a corner after enduring a 10-game losing streak leading up to the All-Star break. Since snapping that skid, they’ve gone 5-2 in their last seven games, showing a renewed sense of chemistry after a major trade deadline move.

Their latest win came in a 128-121 road victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, where Kelly Olynyk led the way with a season-high 26 points and nine rebounds. The veteran big man was acquired from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, and he’s quickly made an impact with his all-around game.

Head coach Willie Green praised Olynyk’s versatility, emphasizing his unique skill set at his position.

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“His IQ is extremely high, and he brings a rare skill set for a guy his size,” Green said. “He can shoot, handle the ball, post up, rebound, pass, and defend smartly. He’s been a great addition for us.”

CJ McCollum added 25 points, while Zion Williamson poured in 24 points and nine assists, showing off his improved playmaking ability. Over the past two games, Williamson has racked up 20 total assists, proving he’s evolving into a more well-rounded offensive weapon.

Green has been thrilled with Williamson’s ability to read defenses and adjust his game accordingly.

“Zion has been amazing,” Green said. “He gets better as the game progresses, and he’s seeing what defenses are trying to do to slow him down.”

Since returning from a hamstring injury in January, Williamson has averaged 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over 17 games. New Orleans has won each of the last four games he’s played, further highlighting his importance to the team.

However, the Pelicans have been cautious with his workload, as he has yet to play in a back-to-back set. Their next one comes this weekend, with road and home matchups against Houston and Memphis.

Kelly Olynyk of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles a Wilson basketball during a game, wearing jersey number 13.

Can the Lakers Keep Rolling, or Will the Pelicans Stay Hot?

The Lakers enter Tuesday’s showdown as the hotter team, but the Pelicans are showing they can compete after a midseason slump. Both squads are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, making this a critical game for seeding.

Los Angeles has thrived despite injuries, thanks to strong performances from James, Doncic, and unexpected contributors like Knecht. Their defense and late-game execution have been crucial during this winning streak, and they’ll need to keep that up against a Pelicans squad that is suddenly clicking offensively.

New Orleans, on the other hand, has embraced its new-look lineup, with Olynyk fitting in well alongside McCollum, Williamson, and Trey Murphy III. Their offensive versatility and improved chemistry have helped them turn things around, but they’ll face a tough test against a Lakers team that has been dominant at home.

With both teams finding their rhythm at the right time, this matchup has all the makings of a Western Conference playoff preview. Will the Lakers extend their winning streak to seven, or can the Pelicans continue their surge and steal a road victory? The answer awaits in Los Angeles.

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