New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in 118-109 Loss to the Lakers

The New Orleans Pelicans dropped a tight game to the Lakers, but showed the “won’t bow down” mentality as they make a run at the Western Conference playoffs.

Several times during the game it looked as if the New Orleans Pelicans (25-33) were going to get blown out of the gym. The game started with a 14-2 Lakers’ run, none of the Pelicans’ shots were falling and they looked overwhelmed. It would have been easy for them to put their heads down and slink out of the Staples Center, but the Pelicans kept battling back and eventually regained the lead late in the third quarter.

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, the Lakers (44-12) have this guy called LeBron James, who put together a spectacular performance, almost as a way to say to Zion Williamson, “not yet, son.” LeBron poured in a season-high 40 points and had an answer for every New Orleans Pelicans’ run.

Every great young team has a veteran team that they must overcome to make it to the next level. For now, it appears as though the Lakers will be that team for the Pelicans. It was a night of ups and downs, which the grades will reflect, but ultimately the New Orleans Pelicans can hold their heads high after a tough and competitive loss to the Western Conference’s best team.

Point Guards

Ball’s much hyped return to Los Angeles didn’t go quite to plan, but he had a good game, putting in 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the loss. Ball had some flashes, including a spectacular lob pass to Zion early in the game that nearly brought the roof down.

But he also shot the ball poorly, going 4-11 from the field. He continued to struggle around the rim, missing a couple of easy short-range shots and even getting completely stuffed by Alex Caruso in the third quarter. Ball looked to be pressing a bit and took a couple of ill-advised 3-pointers early in the shot clock that he probably wishes he could have back. Ball played good defense throughout the game, but it would have been nice to see him match up against LeBron, who was killing the Pelicans in the paint against the much smaller Jrue Holiday. Lonzo was good, but the New Orleans Pelicans needed more if they were going to take down the Lakers on the road.