Lakers edge Pelicans as LeBron James, Anthony Davis deliver late heroics
Anthony Davis recorded 31 points and 14 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 21 points, including crucial late 3-pointers, as the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 104-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
Rookie Dalton Knecht added a career-high 27 points for the Lakers, who extended their winning streak to five games and improved to 9-4, tying for third in the Western Conference.
“Big-time win,” James said. “We want all the wins we can get. To get this win in a hostile environment was big for us.”
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 32 points. A late layup by Jeremiah Robinson-Earl brought New Orleans within two points, but free throws from James and Knecht sealed the result.
James, now in his 22nd season, sank back-to-back 3-pointers in the final minute, including one with 37 seconds left to push the Lakers ahead 101-97. “Just living in the moment,” James said. “Being able to still make plays and big shots at this point in my career, that’s what you live for.”
Knecht, the 17th pick in this year’s draft, earned praise from James: “He was spectacular. We needed every shot he made. He came through big time for us.”
The Pelicans fell to 7-6 despite Ingram’s efforts, as the Lakers’ veteran leadership and Knecht’s breakout performance proved decisive.
(Source: AFP)
