The Los Angeles Lakers continue their impressive march through the Western Conference, overcoming the New Orleans Pelicans 104-99 in a tightly contested game that proved once again the growing prowess of Anthony Davis. This victory marked the Lakers' fifth consecutive win, positioning them with a strong 9-4 record and highlighting their status as the team with the longest active winning streak in the West.
The Dominance of Davis
In a game where every point mattered, Anthony Davis shone brightly, scoring 31 points and hauling in 14 rebounds, a testament to his relentless drive and skill on the court. This performance was yet another masterpiece in a series of stellar appearances, as Davis has now notched at least 30 points in eight games this season. However, it was not just his scoring that captured attention but his evolving presence beyond the arc.
Davis, traditionally known for his prowess inside the paint, has recently expanded his offensive repertoire to include a more consistent three-point shot. Against the Pelicans, he sank two of his four attempts from long distance. Remarkably, this game marked his fifth consecutive outing with multiple three-point shots--a personal record and an indicator of his growing confidence and effectiveness from range.
Finding His Range
Darvin Ham, the Lakers' head coach, had previously articulated a vision for Davis to take on more three-point shots, aiming for about six attempts per game. While this strategy matures, Davis is demonstrating a marked improvement in his accuracy, with a 62.5% success rate from beyond the arc over the past five games (10 of 16). This newfound threat has given the Lakers a significant boost offensively.
Historically, Davis had fallen into a shooting slump from the three-point line between 2021 and 2024, managing only a 25% success rate. In contrast, his mid-range game remained reliably effective at 40%. Nevertheless, under Ham's guidance, the reclaiming of his three-point touch could soon harken back to his 2018-2020 form, when he shot at least 33% each season.
Changing the Defensive Dynamics
The Lakers' current style of play places their opponents in difficult defensive positions, often matching big men on guards or post players like Davis. "It's huge for our team," Davis remarked. "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."
By stepping out and hitting long-range shots, Davis not only changes the offensive landscape for his team but also applies pressure on opposing defenses. He noted, "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."
The Lakers' Offensive Excellence
While Anthony Davis continues to refine his game, the Lakers as a whole have been thriving. They currently boast the best offensive rating in the league during their winning streak, coming in at an impressive 122.6. This offensive might, combined with a strategic approach to exploiting opponent mismatches, solidifies their place as a formidable force in the NBA.
As the season progresses, the Lakers stand poised to challenge any team, driven by Anthony Davis's expanded skill set and the team's collective proficiency. With each game a step further into the realm of possibilities, the Lakers appear to be more than just a competitive squad; they are a genuine contender in the Western Conference, thanks significantly to Anthony Davis and his reshaped offensive role.