Opinion
4 min read

Can the Lakers Outshine the Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena?

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to host the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of mixed performances. The upcoming game on February 10th promises to be an intriguing matchup, with both teams looking to assert their dominance.


LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 7: D'Angelo Russell (1), LeBron James (23) of Los Angeles Lakers and Herbert Jones (5), Zion Williamson (1) of New Orleans Pelicans in action during NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals game between Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on December 7, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Lakers' previous outing on Christmas Day against the Boston Celtics ended in a 115-126 loss, despite a valiant effort. With a record of 16 wins and 15 losses after that game, they showed glimpses of brilliance but ultimately couldn't contain the Celtics' offensive onslaught. The Lakers managed to score efficiently from beyond the arc with a three-point shooting percentage of 41 percent and were also solid from the free-throw line at 76 percent. However, turnovers were a concern as they gave up possession 12 times.


In contrast, during their last victory over Oklahoma City Thunder on December 24th, LAL demonstrated what they're capable of when firing on all cylinders. They notched up an impressive win with high efficiency across the board – shooting percentages stood at 52 for field goals and an exceptional 50 for three-pointers. Their ball movement was crisp as evidenced by their high assist count (37), leading to an offensive rating that would strike fear into any opponent.


LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 7: LeBron James (23) in action during NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals game between Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on December 7, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

However, consistency has been LAL's Achilles heel this season; just two days before their triumph over OKC Thunder, they suffered defeat against Minnesota Timberwolves with turnovers again playing spoilsport (18 in total). Despite shooting well overall (49 percent from field goals and an impressive 42 percent from three), it wasn't enough to secure victory.


The Pelicans will come into this game wary of LAL's potential but confident in exploiting any lapses in concentration or execution. They will need to be particularly cautious about LAL's ability to score from deep and should look to pressure ball handlers into making mistakes.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 14, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking ahead towards February's contest between these two sides – it is clear that if Los Angeles can maintain their focus for all four quarters while minimizing turnovers – they have every chance of emerging victorious against New Orleans Pelicans. It will require them leveraging home-court advantage effectively while delivering another strong shooting performance akin to what we saw against OKC Thunder.


Fans eagerly anticipating this encounter should mark their calendars for February 10th when these two teams face off at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles at what promises to be an electric atmosphere under bright lights starting at approximately 7:30 PM local time (3:30 AM GMT). This pivotal game will be broadcasted nationally on NBA TV channel number 216 and locally on SportsNet LA channel number 691 as well as BSNO channel number676-4 for those following away team broadcasts.

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