Lakers Succumb to Late Pelicans Rally

*Stats courtesy of NBA.com*

Julius Randle racked up a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds as the Lakers' top performer in the game, but the Lakers couldn't stop a late surge from the Pelicans behind Anthony Davis' 33 point performance, losing 125-128. KCP was the team's leading scorer with 28 points. Brook Lopez racked up 23 points and 6 boards and Kyle Kuzma notched 22 points to go with 5 rebounds to round out the starters. I.T. lead the 2nd unit scoring with 15 points.

Final Score: @ New Orleans 125-128 [L]
Full article: http://www.nba.com/games/20180322/LALNOP#/recap

Next Game: @ Memphis (03/24)

Highlights: *Courtesy of Rapid Highlights*

Remembered when I said that this current Laker team is not built for shootout games when they loss to the Mavs last month? That still holds true. Don't get me wrong, they almost pulled it out, but surrendering 128 pints is frustrating. The time they were up by double figures, by 11 points early in the fourth quarter, that should've been the time the Lakers should put the clamps on defensively. Some positives in this game first, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went off from deep. He was off to a really good start in the first quarter and finished strong to end the game despite the losing effort. In the final seconds of the game, Luke Walton drew up a play for KCP to get open and hit a potential game-tying three. But, the Pelicans were well-prepared for that to force a pass from KCP. The defense was not the only problem of the game. Should I throw it out there? I should. Lonzo Ball shot 1-12 from beyond the arc. Despite grabbing 13 rebounds and 9 assists, he only made one three. Based on Luke's comments, most of the looks that Zo was getting were high-percentage looks. The problem is, his shot kept clanking off the rim. Overall, Zo shot 2-15 from the field. He only took three shots from inside. What happened to more slashing at the rim? Obviously, he got blocked by AD when he tried to take it to the rim? But who hasn't been blocked by AD? I saw on the highlights Isaiah Thomas did the same thing when going up against AD. Here's the difference, I.T. bumped into AD to give him some space for the layup and prevent him from blocking the shot. Definitely, the point of emphasis for Zo this offseason is scoring, working on that shot and knowing when to take it strong to the basket when the shot is not falling. The rebounding, passing, and defense is there already. Other than that, this loss just paints a recurring picture that the Lakers can't play with the lead, especially on the road. Not to mention, they really miss Ingram to be that closer. They really need him back if they want to get back on track and make a strong finish by season's end.

Lakers Round Up Commentary: @ New Orleans; @ Minnesota + Post All-Star Adjustments

The NBA is back at it again after a fun All-Star break. Obviously, I called it a week when the Lakers still had two road games before the All-Star weekend. I already provided my quick commentary on the Dallas game as the Lakers opened up this three game road trip prior to the All-Star break. Now, I'll give my two cents on the last two games and bonus thoughts on what the Lakers need to do to get back on track for the 2nd half of the season.

02/14 - Final Score: @ New Orleans 117-139 [L]

Highlights: *Courtesy of Ximo Pierto*

The big highlight of the game was Isaiah Thomas' fight with Rajon Rondo. Both players got ejected this game. Not that it affected the outcome. The Pelicans got off to a very fast start. They didn't run away the whole game. The Lakers cut the deficit to as little as two points. Randle, Ingram, Kuzma, and Hart carried the team scoring-wise as all four were in double figures. Kuzma really had to pick up the load for the 2nd unit, especially without I.T. with 23 points. But, they really had no answer for Anthony Davis down low. This was one ugly road loss this season.

02/15 - Final Score: @ Minnesota 111-119 [L]

Highlights: *Courtesy of Ximo Pierto*

The Lakers almost had this game as the first win with I.T. on the floor. The biggest positive was the chemistry between I.T. and Ivica Zubac. They really developed a very effective rapport in pick-and-roll during this game. Zubac resurrected himself here with 18 points and 11 rebounds on perfect 8-8 shooting. No question he should see the floor more. The Timberwolves, they have a promising teams with seasoned veterans. And that showed down the stretch in this game. Wiggins and KAT didn't have to pick up the load. Rather, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, Jeff Teague, and Jamal Crawford carried the Timberwolves to victory here. Butler, in particular, was sensational on both ends of the floor in that quarter. That ultimately spelled the Lakers' demise before the All-Star break.

After the All-Star Break

The Lakers get a big time boost with Lonzo Ball returning to the lineup. It's a heated debate between Zo and I.T. in terms of the starting point guard role. Some say they should start alongside each other. I don't see how that would work, especially at the idea of I.T. at the 2 guard or Zo at the 2 guard (which doesn't make any sense). It should be clear as day with Zo in the starting lineup and I.T. coming off the bench to give the Lakers more firepower. Zo's return should also benefit the Lakers defensively. The team defense has been out of the loop during this three game losing streak. The Lakers have to recommit on the defensive end to set up the fast pace play in the Lakers' favor. I think after Zubac's game, Luke Walton must consider adding him to the rotation. They're playing a two-man rotation at the 5 with Brook and Randle. The small ball lineup works, but like the Dallas game, coaches will counter with a big-sized lineup to slow down the Lakers' small ball play. I'd say the same should be said for including Thomas Bryant in the rotation. Use those guys to counter if teams send out a bigger lineup. Josh Hart likely going back to the bench with Zo returning could do wonders to mask I.T.'s defensive weaknesses as they'll be the back court for the 2nd unit. A playoff push for the 2nd half is still not out of the picture, but the Lakers have to get back to the basics to make that a reality: playing tough team defense and playing fast and aggressive. It all hinges on Luke as a head coach to push the right buttons at the right time. The Lakers resume tomorrow against Dallas. I was supposed to cover that game after the break, but something else has popped up and I won't be covering the game unfortunately. Speaking of Dallas, the Mavs in a massive ditch with the sexual harassment in the workplace allegations. Mark Cuban's got his work cut out to clean up that deep of a mess. I'll see you guys later.