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00:00In the Lakers, for the Lakers, it's Luka Doncic, Austin Reeves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, and DeAndre Ayton.
00:04We're starting to see some consistency, and that is nice for J.J. Redick and the staff.
00:09And the Pelicans win hole.
00:10That is a nice, good, young starting lineup.
00:13DeJounte Murray is back.
00:15Trey Murphy averaging 38.5 versus the Lakers.
00:18Sadiq Bey averaging 17.
00:20Zion Williamson is back tonight, of course, and Herb Jones.
00:25So this should be a fun one.
00:28Yeah.
00:30I want to talk a little about Marcus Smart, guys.
00:32J.J. called him the igniter after the Kings win.
00:34The way he plays with kind of grit and intensity, just invaluable.
00:38His impact, big game, especially on a night like tonight, which I'm going to talk about a little bit, too.
00:42But it's always on display, and it's always needed.
00:45Veteran.
00:46Been there, done that, and knows how to verbalize things to everybody on the team, including the megastar.
00:52It doesn't matter to him.
00:54You need that kind of leadership.
00:55He dives on the floor.
00:57He intentionally tries to get Aiden involved, and you need that kind of calmness as well.
01:04He's been there before.
01:05You love having that kind of leadership on the floor.
01:08I love him in the Laker uniform, even though he was a Celtic before.
01:12Yeah.
01:13Blue-collar guy, man, you just got to love it.
01:15He has that chippy edge to him.
01:18Comes in with that mentality, that attitude every night.
01:21He's one of those guys that you hate to play against but love to have on your team.
01:25And he's, like you said, a vet that doesn't care about stats.
01:28You know, you have a guy that's a glue guy that wants to keep the guys again, doesn't care about
01:31getting his numbers.
01:33And more cares about doing the right things, the right plays, and doesn't mind doing the dirty work and getting
01:38his, you know, his hands a little dirty.
01:40You need that on your team, because there's a lot of young guys trying to, you know, get a contract
01:43order.
01:44Marcus is about winning at this point in his career.
01:46He's done it.
01:47He's seen it in many different locker rooms on different levels, and he knows what his job is, and he
01:51knows, you know, this is what his bread and butter is.
01:53And it's making defensive plays, making stops, and then keeping the team together, offensively getting guys involved that needs to
01:59get involved.
01:59Maybe an Aiden, maybe a Jackson Hayes or Jake Laravia.
02:02So those are the little things that don't show up in the stat sheet that this guy brings to the
02:05table, and that if you're a smart GM, you want him on your team.
02:08He missed about one year.
02:09He got traded.
02:10He missed about one year.
02:11Yeah.
02:11Yeah.
02:12Yeah, I think they should have given him one anyway, but good player.
02:15You know, and also, you know, there's a lot that goes on, like, when you're on the plane, when you're
02:21on the bus, when you're in the hotel.
02:22You need a veteran sometime to just, you know, give you a little tap on the shoulder and say, hey,
02:26man, let's go have some lunch or something.
02:27You know, DeAndre Aiden, guys, listen, Danny, when there's a night that's maybe not the matchup where the center's going
02:33to feast, how does he impact this game?
02:35What do you want to see from DeAndre Aiden?
02:36Just be a force in the paint, and not so much a paint, but on the glass, rebounding, you know,
02:41being active.
02:42We've seen early in the season, I was like, I like how he's approaching the game.
02:45You know, he's yelling on defense, talking, calling out screens, getting physical, protecting the rim, you know, not also necessarily
02:51blocking every shot,
02:52but at least challenging shots and deflecting passes.
02:55Regardless of what happens on offense, you can bring that every night.
02:58You know, that energy, that mindset, that mentality, those are the things that, sure, J.J.'s looking for, but the
03:03guy's looking for.
03:04And, again, I'm sure he wasn't wanting to be a guy that's just a roll and lob guy.
03:09He's expressed that.
03:10But there's nothing wrong with that, and that's okay.
03:13So, yeah, I think he can impact the game in many ways.
03:16But if he does that, I feel like guys would not be reluctant to give him the ball.
03:21He'll definitely get touches.
03:22For sure.
03:23If he's showing that type of energy.
03:24Would love to see double-digit rebounds in a couple blocks.
03:26I thought being Capella was okay.
03:29Yeah.
03:30Capella was really good.
03:32Capella's great.
03:33He's good.
03:33I think Rob always says, though, he'll give you a big, a little sugar, give him a little sugar early.
03:39And they'll sustain it.
03:41And I think he's a guy that needs to, you know, and you've got to talk to him.
03:44We need you big, you know.
03:45Yeah, yeah, yeah.
03:46You know, it's old school stuff right there.
03:47Pump him up.
03:48Pump him up.
03:49Lift him up.
03:49All right, take a shot.
03:50Brought to you by Mercury Insurance.
03:55Big game.
03:56I like your pick.
03:58It's going to be a good game tonight.
03:59It's Austin Reed's.
04:00Yeah.
04:00Is it an Austin game coming?
04:02This is an Austin game because he's been, you know, playing with the trio and the coaching staff and figuring
04:08things out.
04:09And this is a guy, I think, on a team that hates to lose the most.
04:14Yes.
04:14He hates to lose.
04:15And I think the Pelicans, it's going to be a good game tonight.
04:18I think the Pelicans are going to come with it.
04:19And Austin Reed's is going to, you know, come back and have one of his games that we're accustomed to.
04:25Danny, he's back in the lineup.
04:27Who are you going with?
04:27A part of me wanted to go with Jackson Hayes because he's playing his former team.
04:30But I'm going Rui.
04:30Yeah, what do you want to see?
04:32I just want to see him be aggressive off the bench.
04:34We've seen him when he first came back.
04:36Get to that mid-range.
04:37We need a Rui night.
04:38We're going to need him in playoffs.
04:39I'm a big believer in playoff Rui because I think he shows up and plays well.
04:44But we need to get him in rhythm and get him in mindset and get those touches.
04:47You know, outside of Austin, he's the other guy to me that needs to be aggressive and find his role
04:52and get his usage rate up more.
04:53So I think these are one of the games that he needs to do with him.
04:55Mad Dog, who might you be choosing tonight?
04:58Big game.
04:58I had a switch late.
05:00Like, I talked to B. Moore and Holland right before this block.
05:02It was DeAndre, but I switched it to Marcus Smart because of the way I saw the Pelicans line up
05:09and where I think their strengths are.
05:11I just think Marcus has to have one of those games tonight where he's double-digit plus-minus.
05:15He hits a couple threes, does it on the defensive end.
05:18Let's head downtown.
05:19Bill McDowell and Stu Lance have the call.
05:21Billy Matt, let us go.
05:24All right, fellas, let's go.
05:26It is a live look at Crypto.com Arena Town, Los Angeles.
05:30Spectrum Sportsnet, as always, is proud to present the NBA tonight for the fourth and final time this year.
05:37The Lakers take on the Pelicans.
05:42How are you going, everybody?
05:43And welcome.
05:44It's good to be home still before we take to the road for Denver.
05:48Stu, last couple of games, something we've rarely seen this year, a Laker blowout.
05:52And it was really nice to see.
05:55A lot of guys got to sit on the bench and not play a lot of minutes.
05:58And that's the important thing about a blowout game.
06:00You get to get some rest.
06:01And so, hopefully, that rest will translate to tonight where they're going to have a much tougher game than they've
06:07had the last two.
06:08And they're going to need Luka to get to doing what he does, come out strong to start the game.
06:13He had 28 points against the Kings.
06:16Didn't play, I mean, against the Kings on Sunday.
06:18Didn't play a lot.
06:19But what he did, he made a couple of circus-type shots that had this crowd on their feet.
06:25And thinking of being on their feet, seems like anything LeBron James does puts the crowd on their feet.
06:31He ended with 24 points, and he shot the ball extremely well from behind the yard.
06:36So, you're making 75% of your three-point attempt.
06:39That'll get the job done.
06:40They may need that again tonight.
06:42And he's going to, as I said, a much tougher opponent.
06:46All right, Pelicans, they're out of the playoff mix.
06:48But I'm going to tell you right now, I can't say it any straighter than this.
06:51They're not tanking.
06:52They don't have their first-round pick for next year.
06:54They're here to win this ball game tonight.
06:56And like you mentioned, this is a formidable starting five led by Trey Murphy.
07:00Yeah, Trey Murphy's a guy that can do a lot of different things for this club,
07:05including shooting the ball from the perimeter.
07:07He can take it to the rim, but where he's a big threat is he can shoot from long range.
07:13This year, he's averaging 22 points, 38% in three-point land.
07:17So, defensively, the Lakers are going to be tested from the perimeter,
07:20but also going to be tested on the interior.
07:23John Williamson, you better keep him away from the rim because he is Mr. Explosion.
07:30You've got to make him a passer.
07:32You've got to make him stay outside of the paint.
07:37We're going to take a quick break.
07:38When we come back, it's basketball time here at Crypto.com Arena
07:42on Spectrum Sports Net.
07:44So, don't go anywhere.
07:50Talk LBJ, ready to make more history.
07:53You guys, he only needs 11 more buckets to pass.
07:56Cap, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to become the all-time leader in field goals made.
08:00Just amazing.
08:02Cap got buckets, so did Carl, so did Wilt, so did MJ, and, of course, LeBron is about to pass
08:07once again, big game.
08:10It's a lot of buckets, man.
08:12It's a lot of buckets, man.
08:13You've got to stay healthy for a long time.
08:15I mean, I remember when LeBron came in the league, he was more of a point-pass guy, you know?
08:20See, that's what they said.
08:21That's what they said.
08:22And he just accumulated points after me.
08:25He's an amazing player.
08:25Then he became a three-point shooter.
08:26I mean, he can do everything.
08:27I feel like every game is a milestone watch.
08:29Every time?
08:30Yeah, at this point in his career, it's 23.
08:32And crazy enough to believe he could play more years after this.
08:36He absolutely could.
08:37Yeah, so at least one more.
08:38It's going to be up to him.
08:38We're going to probably see one more.
08:40Yeah, it's going to be up to him.
08:41But, yeah, listen, he's playing great basketball as well lately.
08:44So, hopefully he can keep it going tonight against the Pelicans.
08:47Need it.
08:48We will see you at halftime.
08:49Bill and Stu on the call after the break.
08:59You can get a second for just one buck.
09:02Just one buck.
09:04That's it.
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09:16Welcome back home here.
09:17Crypto.com Arena.
09:19Beautiful day in Southern California.
09:21A little less than six weeks to go in the regular season.
09:24Lakers trying to move up in the standings.
09:26Let's get to the lineup.
09:28It is the five that you will see most likely for the rest of the year.
09:32As long as they stay healthy.
09:34We'll see if a D.A., who's had some good games against the Pelicans this year,
09:38comes out strong.
09:39How about the Pelicans tonight?
09:41Again, this is a formidable starting five.
09:44We haven't seen DeJounte Murray on a basketball court in a year.
09:48Herbert Jones can play a little defense.
09:50And it's nice to see Zion healthy for an extended period of time.
09:53Keys to the game and Stu.
09:54Well, keys to the game tonight.
09:56Points in the paint is going to be enormous.
09:59Why?
10:00Because of Zion.
10:01So keep him off the free throw line.
10:03Make him more of a playmaker.
10:06And then the bench tonight has to come up big time.
10:09Got some crazy numbers on Zion.
10:11We'll give to you a little bit later on.
10:13This guy's got some good numbers.
10:15His name is Mike Trudell.
10:16And, you know, Luka comes out.
10:18It's not all about scoring for him, is it?
10:20Yeah, that's the thing, right?
10:21Luka has the reputation.
10:22And one that is very well earned about being super aggressive looking to score in first quarters of games.
10:28In fact, New Orleans was talking about that before the game.
10:31That's kind of one of the things on the top of their scouting report.
10:34But these last couple of games, nice wins for the Lakers over the Warriors and the Kings.
10:39Luka's look to get other guys going a little bit more at the start.
10:42Austin Reeves in Golden State got off to a great start.
10:46And LeBron also got off to a great start.
10:48Luka just giving up the basketball a little bit.
10:50And then pouncing as the quarter goes on and showing all that he can do, of course, when he's on
10:55the basketball.
10:56So, the Lakers have so many different ways that they can attack to start a possession, to start a game
11:01with this lineup that's on the court.
11:03How and when they choose to do so is something that is still evolving.
11:06And just a little tweak the last couple games.
11:08Luka, a bit more passing.
11:10Now, that's not to say he's not going to come out and take the first six shots tonight.
11:13He very well might.
11:14But the last couple, it's been working for him to get other guys going, too.
11:17Well, he's going to have to be aggressive.
11:18There's no question about it.
11:19But he's going to have to really work tonight because they've got some guys that can flat D up a
11:24bit.
11:24The Lakers have beaten this team three times already this year, twice by double digits.
11:31And the other one was an eight-point victory.
11:34Let's see if they can replicate any of that here tonight.
11:36First possession, it's Luka.
11:38Here he is taking the first shot.
11:40There you go, Mike.
11:43And down it goes for Doncic.
11:45Well, they start out the game with Murray guarding Luka.
11:51I was a little surprised at that.
11:53And a wide open shot.
11:55Yeah, launch up a three.
11:56And the Pelley's on top three.
11:58Well, they tie it up three-three.
12:00First possession defensively.
12:01And the Lakers are not on the same page.
12:05The Lakers, they begin the night in sixth place in the West.
12:09Couple up on Phoenix.
12:10And that's the most important thing.
12:12Stay out of the play-in when the playoffs begin.
12:15Doncic looking for two in a row.
12:17And had to bank in.
12:18And it did not.
12:18It's bounced around.
12:19It's going to be taken by Sadiq Bae.
12:22He's been bothered by some injuries of his own.
12:25Herbert Jones now to the right-hand side.
12:27DeJounte Murray.
12:28Boy, he's a triple-double waiting to happen.
12:30Just about any night.
12:31Rebound Lake show.
12:33Doncic goes to the far side.
12:34It's going to get A.R.
12:35Reed's going to fire it up there.
12:38And the rebound is taken right into the hands of DeJounte Murray.
12:44Now, New Orleans, they have just won 19 games.
12:47That's it.
12:48Here's a late whistle, but a foul.
12:50Yeah, there's no question that on the recovery,
12:52Aiton got a piece of the arm as Murphy went right around him.
12:58Now, J.J. Radek, his team, last two wins by 28 and 24 points.
13:03Although they are 13-13 over their last 26,
13:07they really have broken out the last two games
13:09after a few subpar offensive efforts.
13:14And James Borrego's on the other side.
13:16Boy, their offense really got better during the month of February.
13:20And by the way, February was their only winning month of the season.
13:24You realize they started 3-22.
13:283-22 out of the gate.
13:31The season was over.
13:33Before December rolled around.
13:35You talked about the Lakers in their last couple of victories.
13:39They were fortunate enough to play two teams that are really struggling.
13:43And tonight, as I said, not the same type of a struggling team.
13:48Yeah, Lakers will have beaten the last six teams that are under 500 that they've played.
13:53They'll certainly see an over 500 team in a couple of nights.
13:56Shot is up and in by DeAndre.
13:58Nice jump hook by DeAndre right over the top of Zion.
14:04Three double-doubles against the Pelicans this year.
14:07He's averaging 17.
14:08This is a launch, and I mean a launch, by Trey Murphy III.
14:13That's why he had to alter it a little bit, I think, at the very end.
14:16He can shoot from that distance.
14:17Certainly can.
14:18Here is Marcus Smart for three.
14:20He's going to hit the front of the rim, and Sadiq Bae has got yet another rebound.
14:23That's his second of the game.
14:25He'll bring it into the attacking zone.
14:27Holding it there is Herbert Jones.
14:29And running over a man is Zion.
14:31That's going to be a block.
14:32And taking the brunt of that hit that time was Marcus Smart.
14:36I'm telling you, if you're going to take the brunt of the hit from Zion, you're going to take a
14:40lot of punishment.
14:42Because Marcus came over to be the secondary defender and gets knocked down by Zion Wilson.
14:49Good to see him able to get up and continue play.
14:52Still, you know, Zion has scored 967 points this year.
14:57952 have either been there in the paint with that bidet, bidet, bidet, Sadiq Bae throws down, or via the
15:04free throw line.
15:05Yeah, he doesn't do anything outside of the paint.
15:07That's why it's important to make him a playmaker.
15:10He's going to wait.
15:11You should wait until he puts it on the deck, a dribble or so, and then take it out of
15:15his hand.
15:15He has to try to three-pointer in forever, either.
15:18Here is Luca.
15:19Oh, he's grabbing his left.
15:20He bumped knees.
15:21Yeah.
15:24And they come down 5-on-4.
15:27Missed shot.
15:27Good rebound that time by Ayton.
15:30And leaves it for Reeves.
15:31Long lead ahead.
15:32LeBron, boy, he got it tangled that time with Trey Murphy.
15:36And Murphy's going to pick up the foul.
15:40Luca trying to dribble.
15:41You see right there, both he and Zion bumped knees.
15:44And obviously, it was Luca that came away with the worst of that one.
15:49Shot up the air ball.
15:51Still trying to get rid of the paint a little bit.
15:54Zion's been in a couple of collisions already with two different Lakers.
15:58As we're just getting going, we're exactly three minutes in to the first quarter.
16:02Donchitz goes all the way.
16:04Perfectly had Murray on his hip.
16:06But now, DeJounte brings it to the front court.
16:08Streaking right wing.
16:09Good play.
16:10That pass was a little behind Murphy.
16:13Now, LeBron all the way.
16:14Layed up ahead and in.
16:17LeBron gets the easy hoop there as he felt that he got touched on the arm on the shot.
16:21The official said, play on.
16:23That one's knocked out of bounds by Marcus Smart.
16:26Yeah, LeBron, his most points since the break the other night.
16:30If you want to get out and run, you've got to play some defense.
16:32An errant pass by the Pelicans.
16:34And LeBron on the receiving end gets to Layo.
16:37LeBron was 8 for 15.
16:39Hit three threes in the game.
16:43A 128-104 win over the lowly Sacramento Kings team with the worst record in the NBA.
16:49Another three-pointer on the way.
16:51No, weak side rebound.
16:52Only buddy there was a Laker.
16:54Now it's up to Reeves on the outlet.
16:56Oh, that hit the bottom of the rim, but a foul's going to be called.
16:59Well, it may have hit the bottom of the rim, but Reeves hit the floor.
17:03Bounces up, getting ready to go to the line and shoot two.
17:06That's where speed has a big advantage.
17:09The defender was just not in a position to get good position to be able to contest without fouling.
17:14All right, A.R. coming off of just a 12-point game.
17:16His fewest since the Christmas game that he left early in.
17:21Free throw time, and now this from Experian.
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17:28Experian.
17:29Experian.
17:34There's one guy from the Lakers that can get to the free throw line on a regular basis.
17:39It's Austin Reeves.
17:40He just has a way to create fouls off the dribble.
17:43You know, it's interesting.
17:44He's a pretty good rebounder for his size and for the position he plays,
17:48but he did not have a rebound for the first time in a year the other night.
17:53That's how consistent he is at getting forward.
17:56It's been a long time since he came up with nothing.
17:59Now on the outside, 12 to shoot.
18:02They're looking to attack.
18:03Turning is Murray.
18:04And he gets the soft shooter's touch.
18:08Got right into no man's land.
18:10That no man land is right before you get to the defensive center.
18:13He pulls up for the jumper.
18:15Yeah, 9-8 game.
18:15We expect this one to be close throughout.
18:18Now it's Luka at the right-hand side.
18:20Well, we'll see how the benches play into this.
18:22James.
18:24Cross-court pass.
18:25He's got it.
18:26String music on the good pass.
18:28Cross-court.
18:29Well, he continues his fine shooting.
18:30Takes his first three-pointer of the game and knocks it down.
18:34Seven games from tying Robert Parrish for most all-time.
18:37Boy, that got through.
18:38Two Laker defenders.
18:40Bay wanders in.
18:41And now Murphy, the third, drains it from deep.
18:45That's what he does.
18:47He's got unlimited range.
18:49Yeah, he's had, what, a 42-point game and a 35-point game against the Lakers this year.
18:54Think about that.
18:55Two over 35.
18:57Now the left-wing side has it.
18:59Looking now.
19:00Throws it behind Zion, who taps it right back out.
19:04Murray, three.
19:06In there again.
19:07And they retake the lead.
19:09We've already had a bunch of lead changes in this game.
19:13And they've already had a bunch of open looks.
19:16They've hit three threes.
19:19Lakers two for five from downtown.
19:22Reeves has it batted away.
19:24Turnover.
19:26Jones.
19:27Trailer.
19:28Look out.
19:29Trey Murphy, the third.
19:30Lakers need one.
19:31Get a timeout.
19:33Yeah, errant decision there by Austin.
19:36Gostum and layup.
19:37And all of a sudden, you look up at that scoreboard.
19:40The Pelicans on top of the board.
19:43They are shooting six out of ten from the field.
19:45Lakers only four out of ten.
19:51By prize picks.
19:52Let's check out some of the squares for tonight.
19:55For the Pelicans.
19:56Trey Murphy, the third, with a more or less of 21 and a half points.
20:00And for the Lake Show, Marcus Smart with a more or less of four and a half rebounds and assists
20:05combined.
20:06Get in on the action.
20:07The prize picks up now available in California.
20:128-0 Pelican runs, Stu.
20:14Yeah, well, again, when you turn over, get them out in transition, just like the Lakers did on one of
20:19their occasions.
20:20Just got to make sure of what you're trying to accomplish offensively.
20:24And then make sure you get back on the defensive end.
20:27Well, three-pointers and turnovers were definitely the story against Sacramento.
20:31Lakers hit 46% of their threes for a total of 18.
20:36And they forced 20 turnovers that turned into 27 points and only committing 10 of their own.
20:43By the way, six assists on six buckets for New Orleans.
20:47Coming in very deep as Luka inside out.
20:50LeBron lets it go.
20:51Going to come up short.
20:53And Murphy, the third, has the rebound.
20:55It's 16-12.
20:57They get 18-12 as Zion rides it all the way and scores.
21:02Again, quick transition play.
21:04Long shot was a long rebound, and they were off to the races.
21:07All right, coming up on the halfway mark here of quarter number one.
21:11This one's bounced into the corner.
21:13And that one comes up short from Rui Hachimura, as I mentioned the other night.
21:16Still one of the top three-point shooters in the NBA.
21:20Zion, look at this fancy work.
21:22Gets into the lane, can't score.
21:23And then Aiton had it and dropped it out of bounds, unfortunately.
21:2818-12, Lakers down.
21:33Got a couple of subs coming in for the Lakers as Luke Kennard comes in along with Jackson Hayes.
21:38Boy, Luke's been impressive back-to-back double-digit games.
21:43He's shooting a career-high 64% on two-point shots.
21:48Had that three-point shot going the other night, though.
21:51This one is knocked out of bounds.
21:53It'll be Laker basketball.
21:55So you've got Kennard, Hayes, Reeves, Rui, and Doncic on the floor for the Lakers.
22:00They need to scratch on this possession.
22:02They've come up dry a few times, and that does their six-point deficit.
22:06Yeah, Lakers down by six, 18-12.
22:08Underneath, boy, turning.
22:10Boy, Hayes was there.
22:11The former Pelican, Jackson Hayes, and got grabbed.
22:15So he'll go to the line for a couple.
22:19I think he turned and was surprised if there was nobody there.
22:22If he had turned the other way, I think he could have been able to flush it.
22:25Yeah.
22:25He was trying to get his bearings, and then he got fouled.
22:31And Jackson Hayes for a couple.
22:33How about this right now from BMW?
22:41Find the soul of BMW in those who drive it.
22:48One of the things about the Pelicans is they hurt you in so many ways.
22:51They've got the inside attack, obviously, with Zion,
22:55but then they've got some perimeter guys that either can shoot or put it on the deck.
23:00Really breaks your defense down.
23:01They are the sixth most improved offense due this year in the NBA.
23:05That one is capped by Zion, and it's not from behind.
23:10And it's stormed away from there.
23:12Look out.
23:12There goes Zion, and it's a 20-14 New Orleans lead.
23:17Those turnovers are fighting the Lakers.
23:19There's two turnovers, and they've scored on both of them.
23:22Boy, Zion had the longest extended stretch of his career on the floor just a snap the other day.
23:30He had played a 35 in a row.
23:32Just like Jackson Hayes likes to lob.
23:34Boy, Zion really enjoys the lob.
23:37Just throw it anywhere near the top of the box, and Zion will go get it.
23:42Again, was out against the Clippers their last game, right ankle sprain.
23:46Interesting, you know, despite their poor record, they have won six out of nine,
23:50even factoring in the loss to the Clippers the other night.
23:56This is under now to Hayes, and he puts it up and in.
24:00Good find by Luka.
24:01They tried to blitz him, but he kept his dribble alive long enough to find Jackson Hayes.
24:06Four-point Pelican lead, 20-16, 4-49.
24:11Clock moving here in quarter number one.
24:14Derek Queen, the rookie boy.
24:15They paid handsomely to draft up to get him, costing their number one pitch.
24:21The defensive play by Jackson Hayes.
24:23He made him all through the shot and then got the defensive rebound.
24:26Oh, there's Luka splitting defense.
24:27How does it go?
24:28And it goes.
24:29He splits the defense as well as anybody in the league.
24:32I think people underestimate how strong Luka is.
24:36He can absorb some contact, and he gets through little creases, but he keeps his balance.
24:41He doesn't really lose balance on a lot of his shots, and this is off of one foot,
24:46but still, it's an easily makeable shot for Luka.
24:52Yeah, Lakers spreading it around, however.
24:55Four of the five starters have scored.
24:58The only one that has not is Marcus Smart.
25:00Hayes has four.
25:03And Luka knocks it down, completes the three-point play.
25:06It's a one-point game.
25:08Lakers are down 20-19.
25:10We've had five lead changes.
25:12New Orleans' biggest lead, six.
25:14Lakers' biggest lead, four.
25:16Into the corner, knocked out of bounds by Doncic.
25:21Well, DJ's in the game, as mentioned, for New Orleans, and they're going to take a timeout.
25:27Well, New Orleans takes the timeout.
25:30There's still 4-19 to play here in the first, and it's been quite interesting.
25:34Lakers down by one.
26:04Lakers down, as you see by one, 20-19.
26:05They lost 1-37 to 1-17.
26:10They absolutely showed no defense in that game the other night.
26:15You know, it's interesting.
26:16They've been in Los Angeles four days.
26:17They were in Utah for four days.
26:21Here's Murphy just laying it up and in softly for the two.
26:24No defense in the paint for the Lakers that time.
26:27He backdoored Austin that time.
26:29Austin tried to beat him over the top, and he went backdoored.
26:32No one was there to cover up.
26:33By the way, Trey does have two fouls already.
26:36That is news for them.
26:38Reeves off the window.
26:40Rebound taken by DJ DeAndre Jordan.
26:42Played briefly for the Lakers, remember.
26:45Played quite a bit across down with the Clippers.
26:47Here's Jeremiah Fierce, boy, they love him.
26:50What a rookie he is.
26:51Underneath, DJ puts it up and in.
26:53DeAndre Jordan.
26:54You don't see DeAndre do much with his right hand,
26:57but that's a good read of the defense and use the right hand.
27:02Luka, that gets tapped out of bounds.
27:05Herbert Jones thought he had a chance to grab it and take it.
27:09Herbert Jones out of Alabama.
27:12Into the game comes Jake LaRavia replacing Austin Reeves.
27:18Jake's coming off of a four-point game against Sacramento,
27:22but most boards he's had since January the 7th.
27:26He got seven of them.
27:27We've often said he's a rebounder.
27:29Rob underneath.
27:30That's a good pass by Jackson Hayes.
27:32It really is.
27:33And that frees up LaRavia to knock down the three.
27:37Not a bad pass and a better catch than step to his left.
27:41That one's off the fingertips of Murphy.
27:44Again, Murphy tried the back door and the pass a little off to Mark.
27:50New Orleans, and you're always amazed when it almost equals up like this,
27:55Duke.
27:55New Orleans has 10 baskets and 10 assists so far in the game.
28:00That's a kind of unheard of.
28:02Out of Kinar.
28:02Catch.
28:03Shoot, of course.
28:04Number one three-point shooter in the NBA.
28:07Mr. Automatic.
28:09That's a 23-foot layup for him, boy.
28:12Looking for his third three-point crown throughout the course of his career.
28:17Well, he can create a shot.
28:19That was captain shoot time, though.
28:21A little over two and a half minutes to play here in the first.
28:25Lakers looking to make it three wins in a row.
28:27That was Jeremiah Fears bumping off on Kinnard,
28:30but they give up an offensive rebound.
28:32And the lob and the tap-in by Jordan.
28:37Loose ball went right back to the Pelicans,
28:39and they get the easy lob to Jordan.
28:43DeAndre in his 18th year in the NBA.
28:47Luka stops wide open for 14 feet.
28:50Not going to miss that one.
28:51Not going to miss that one.
28:52Not only that, bad matchup.
28:54They've got Queen, or he had Queen on him that time.
28:57No way can Queen stay with Luka.
29:00Yeah, Luka's been the leading scorer for the Lake Show
29:02the last six games consecutively and 39 times overall.
29:09Boy, he got caught in the air a little bit there.
29:11Queen is underneath.
29:14Luka wanted to review.
29:16He's not going to get it.
29:17We're going to get free throws.
29:18Another look at that play where Jackson Hayes threw it out to Jack LaRavia,
29:21who did one dribble to his left behind the yard,
29:24and then Luke Kennard.
29:26He's the guy that I'm surprised anybody leaves him alone.
29:32He came into the game nine threes short of 1,000 for his career.
29:38Queen at the line.
29:39Hey, it just feels different when you come here to Crypto.com Arena for a game.
29:43Don't miss your opportunity to catch the Lake Show.
29:46The best place to get 100% verified game tickets all season long,
29:49Lakers Ticket Exchange.
29:51It's the official resale marketplace for your Lakers.
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29:58And when we get back from Denver, plenty, plenty of home games for you to come see.
30:04There's a lot of marquee matchups, including the Nuggets, the Wolves, and the Knicks here at home.
30:11Derrick Queen knocks down two, puts the Pelicans on top by one.
30:16Two, nine lead changes in quarter number one, and nobody's led by more than six.
30:22LeBron James with the basketball.
30:24Rise, fire, a bit of a frozen rope.
30:27Sadiq Bey controls.
30:28He's a formerly of Detroit.
30:31Underneath Fears, who had no fear trying to get to the basket.
30:34Right to LaRavia.
30:35He leads his team in steals.
30:36Here he goes, LeBron, throw it down.
30:39That was just a bad play by Fears.
30:41I mean, he was in the air, really had a shot,
30:44but he had already made up his mind that he's going to pass,
30:47and he passed it right to Jake.
30:4977 to steal for LaRavia.
30:51Mentioned number one on the team.
30:53Defense, offense, and Jeremiah Beers hits the three.
30:56He's a 33-percenter on the year.
30:59He had five threes the other night, Stu, against the Clippers,
31:03but had way too many turnovers.
31:08Kennard, stop, pop, got it, mid-range.
31:11Good sell-up to drive, and then, as you mentioned,
31:14pull off and shoot the little mid-range jumper.
31:18Nobody in double figures for the Lakers.
31:20You've got Murphy with 11 for New Orleans.
31:25Sadiq Bey in the key.
31:28DJ also in the key.
31:29Bey puts it up.
31:30Knew he had missed it.
31:31Knew it was short.
31:32And it bounces off of the Lakers.
31:34Out of bounds, New Orleans.
31:36Another look at the Lakers as they forced a turnover,
31:38and Jake kept it in the middle,
31:40and then, at the last minute, finds LeBron, who finds the rim.
31:44And put Luke Kennard off the dribble.
31:46Pull up.
31:47Have the defender off, Mark.
31:49You knock it down.
31:50By the way, our officials, Josh Kiven, J.B. DeRosa,
31:53and Jenna Schroeder here tonight.
31:57Standing on the line, J.B. makes that call.
31:59And it's going to go to the Lakers.
32:04Too close to the sideline as the defender had him there,
32:07and the official, I believe, has given a delay of game, maybe.
32:11New Orleans takes care of the basketball.
32:13They're top ten as far as ball security this year.
32:18It's barely on the line,
32:20but that's all you have to do is just barely touch it.
32:25They're also top ten at fast-break points,
32:27and here they go on cue all the way.
32:31Lay it up and lay it in.
32:32In transition.
32:33That's when they're really dangerous.
32:38They've scored on each one of the Lakers' turnovers.
32:46They have 13 assists on 13 baskets.
32:49New Orleans.
32:50This one's thrown out of bounds.
32:52Laker turnover number four.
32:56Miscommunication here between Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia.
32:59So an offensive switch.
33:01They're going to bring Murphy back in.
33:03Remember, Murphy with a couple of fouls,
33:04but since they are going to most likely get the last possession,
33:07he's in the ball game.
33:08Yeah, he comes in for one thing.
33:10Shoot it!
33:11Shoot it!
33:12Shoot it!
33:15He's already shot it six times, made four.
33:18Surprised he came in for Queen and not DeAndre Jordan,
33:20since they're going for the last shot.
33:24Now DeAndre's out there to set a pick, apparently.
33:26And they throw it away.
33:28Oh, no.
33:28Touched by the Lakers.
33:29Yeah, I think LeBron got a thumb on it.
33:32So 4.4 remaining here in the first.
33:35Lakers down by a couple.
33:38This is really when you stay home with Trey Murphy the third.
33:42Eight different Pelicans have scored.
33:45Eight of them.
33:46Spears got to get it in.
33:48Just barely does.
33:49They're in trouble now with three, with two.
33:51Bay's going to have to fire it up.
33:53Not the shot they were looking for.
33:54Lakers did a good job on the inbound pass.
33:57Yeah, did a good job of denying that inbound pass.
34:00They had to throw it almost to midcourt.
34:02And from there, they were in trouble.
34:05But they still have the lead going into the second.
34:08It's the Pelicans, 33.
34:10The Lakers, 31.
34:14The Lakers basketball is being brought to you by Morongo Casino Resort and Spa.
34:19Less than 90 minutes from wherever you are.
34:22Oh, good times.
34:26We're back in downtown L.A.
34:27Glad you were with us on Spectrum Sportsnet and the app.
34:33Beautiful scene.
34:34Always a party.
34:36Always a party.
34:38And the Lakers find themselves down, though, by a couple.
34:40Pelicans, there is that number, 13 for 13.
34:44And, again, eight different Pelicans have scored a point.
34:48Williamson goes into the lane.
34:50Can't score.
34:50Again, 98.5% of his baskets are made inside the paint or at the free throw line where he's
34:59going right now.
35:00Well, at least that time Aiton made him, you know, kind of flattened him out a bit.
35:04Didn't give him a clear path to the rim.
35:10His last three-point attempt, Stu, was back on November the 29th.
35:16You know, when he first came into the league, he would shoot from the outside, but he has really adjusted
35:22his game.
35:22Hey, Laker fans, you know the deal.
35:23Tacos are on the line tonight.
35:24If the Lakers win, they're going to score a couple of free tacos with a drink purchase from Jock in
35:30the box tomorrow.
35:33Knocks down two free throws there.
35:36Gives the Pelicans a four-point lead.
35:40They look for their 20th win, their ninth on the road.
35:44This is their longest road trip of the year.
35:46LeBron!
35:46Rise and jam on the lob.
35:48And that's what happens when you don't see the basketball.
35:51Sadiq Bey was in good position, but he had his head turned completely to the bowl.
35:56Now, LeBron has four 30-point games this year.
35:58One was against the Pelicans back in January.
36:02Short, rebound, Aiton.
36:05Now, quickly, it gets to Smart from LeBron in the attacking 47.
36:09Marcus looks to get into the lane, does momentarily, comes right back out and reorganizes with James.
36:16Picked by eight.
36:16LeBron bounces to him on the roll.
36:19In and out, hard play.
36:20Oh, LeBron doing work.
36:21Got the offensive glass.
36:24Another look at that play where Sadiq Bey just didn't see the ball, and Marcus threw it up,
36:29and LeBron was there just to finish the play at the last minute.
36:33Sadiq Bey looks up, but it's too late then.
36:35Got to see the ball a lot earlier than that, Sadiq.
36:38LeBron leading the Lakers early here.
36:41Nine points.
36:42Just getting going in the second quarter.
36:44Again, next game will be in a couple of nights in Denver.
36:48We will have that game for you.
36:50And it's right back home on the second of a back-to-back Friday night.
36:54The Pacers will be in town.
36:57Only look at them this year here.
37:01Zion.
37:06He lost control of it.
37:08Wasn't really under duress.
37:10Three on one.
37:11Oh, and they botch it.
37:13Wow.
37:14A three on one, but they're going to get away with it.
37:16They're going to get away with it and get an A and one.
37:20I've seen a lot of fast breaks in my life, but I don't see one that was successful that way.
37:26I mean, both players kind of slipped on the floor.
37:31Marcus Smart has it.
37:32He's trying to get it to LeBron.
37:34LeBron just completely slips, but gets back up, gets the ball, gets to dunk, gets to foul.
37:40Hey, listen.
37:41That's what the Lakers are practicing.
37:42Remember, Luka slipped in the last game and then knocked down that crazy three.
37:47It's all part of the plan.
37:51Deception?
37:51Yeah, something like that.
37:54A little shake and bake.
37:56Underneath goes Bay.
37:57Can't score.
37:57It hangs on the rim.
37:59Oh, a wild shot that time by Jordan.
38:02As it went through his hands, boy, everybody on the Lakers saying you want to review this right now.
38:09Too late.
38:10Yeah, they bring it in.
38:11On its way for three.
38:13They're going to get the ball anyway.
38:14So it worked out.
38:15They didn't waste a challenge.
38:17And they get possession of the basketball.
38:20Leading by two.
38:22Back and forth we go in this contest.
38:25Where Hayden got stopped right there.
38:26It was supposed to be a lob.
38:29And Hayden got held up by a two-man wall.
38:31Well, I just think it was a legal play.
38:33They just took his path away from him.
38:36I thought it was a good no-call.
38:38Oh, they strip it right away.
38:40And that was LaRavia.
38:42Jake was there with yet another steal.
38:44Start.
38:45Stop.
38:45Go.
38:46LeBron!
38:48Counted and one!
38:49Boy, he loves that left hand going that direction, doesn't he?
38:52Gets right into the chest of DeAndre Jordan.
38:55Gets the foul and the basket as Jake starts it off with the strip of Zion.
39:02And good change of pace, change of speed.
39:04And look at that shot with the left by LeBron James.
39:07Game's leading scorer right now with 15.
39:1215, reminiscent of the other night.
39:14Wasn't quite like this early on in the game.
39:19LeBron trying to prove everybody that he's still a top player in the NBA.
39:25Matches the largest Laker lead there at five.
39:36Sadiq Bay, boy, he was looking to go up and under.
39:40Look out.
39:41LeBron knocks him down.
39:42A heck of a tackle.
39:44That's a mutual respect for those two.
39:47Helps him right back up.
39:49There's some contact there, boy.
39:50Oh, yeah.
39:51LeBron listed at 6'9", 250.
39:55Zion listed at 6'6", 285.
40:01285?
40:01Hopefully he's not 285.
40:03Yeah, I think, you know, yeah.
40:04When he first came in, he was big.
40:06He was big.
40:06Oh, yeah.
40:07He's worked on it.
40:08He's worked.
40:09Yeah.
40:10And again, injuries had, you know, probably played into that.
40:14Or that played into injuries.
40:15That's what I mean.
40:16That's exactly what I mean.
40:20But again, that extended string of games.
40:23It's the most in his career.
40:2535 straight just ended.
40:27That was tapped once and taken by Reeves.
40:30Lakers can have numbers if they quickly get it down the floor.
40:33Now, Nisi comes back down.
40:35Oh, no, it goes 8.
40:36He was rim running.
40:37Then out of bounds it goes.
40:38Boy, he's mad.
40:39He's mad.
40:40He thought he should have had it.
40:41That's the second time, though.
40:43He had the ball basically in his hands, and he's lost control.
40:46You've got to just strangle the ball.
40:50Lakers have six turnovers.
40:51In fact, both teams have six.
40:54Five-point game.
40:55Nine and a half to play.
40:56Second quarter.
40:57Zion underneath.
40:58Short.
40:59Tap.
40:59Kept alive.
41:00Larabian.
41:00No.
41:01Taken Reeves.
41:09Reeves all the way.
41:10Can't score.
41:11Taken.
41:11Oh, and eight.
41:12Has it knocked away.
41:14Rejected.
41:15Good play by DeJounte Murray.
41:17Very nice play.
41:18All right.
41:18Three minutes plus, and no field goals this quarter for the Pellies.
41:22How about right there?
41:23No.
41:23Pelicans can't get it.
41:25Knocked away.
41:25Let's go the other way.
41:27Two on one.
41:27LeBron.
41:28LeBron.
41:29LeBron.
41:29What?
41:29Finish!
41:30The big fella throws it down.
41:34Fears did the right thing.
41:35Tried to draw the charge against LeBron.
41:38They didn't blow the whistle, and that opened it up for a free hoop.
41:44Aiden, as LeBron's got it on the wing, Fears says there's nothing to do but stand in front.
41:49He stood in front, but the whistle didn't sound.
41:53Trusted mattress store.
41:55And LeBron James, boy, what a first half he's enjoying here.
41:59Six out of eight from the field, four rebounds, 16 total points in only 11 minutes, and that's
42:06what they needed from him, and he's provided, whether it's on the wing, made his first three-point
42:11shot to start the game, so doing a good job.
42:15Has his team up in front by seven.
42:17Yeah, it's an 11-0 Laker runs, and LeBron, Laker run, and LeBron has nine, nine of it.
42:24And for that, he gets a much-deserved rest.
42:29Again, nobody played 30 minutes in either of the last two games for the Lakers.
42:35It's a nice load management the right way for the Lakers.
42:39Underneath, Sadiq Bale.
42:41Over the outstretched arm of Jackson Hayes.
42:44First field goal in the second quarter for the Pelicans.
42:46Yeah, and that's some of the reasons the Lakers had opened up that seven-point lead.
42:49Number 77 is out on the logo.
42:52Number one score in the NBA by just a little now over SGA.
42:57Smart corner off.
42:58Rebound tap.
42:59Here comes Jax.
43:01Boy, LeRavie, he's doing a little thing tonight, isn't he?
43:03Underneath, Hayes doing work.
43:05He puts it up and in.
43:06That's what I like.
43:08When you get an offensive rebound, gather yourself and put it up.
43:11Two is okay.
43:12You don't have to always get a three.
43:14Only seven minutes, six points for Jax.
43:17They have the Lakers' four second-chance points.
43:21On the ground is Derrick Queen.
43:24Now inside.
43:25Oh, look at Misi with a little bit of a running hook.
43:28Taken out by AR.
43:29Up for Doncic.
43:30You've got Hayes, LaRavia, Reeves, Smart, and Doncic.
43:33And Luka for three.
43:35Got it.
43:35Yes, sir.
43:37Yeah, biggest lead of the game for either team as the Lakers go up by 10.
43:42Lakers led by as many as 30 the other night.
43:46Then let's the Sacramento get down to within 10.
43:49Got it.
43:50It goes.
43:50Backhand layup is good by Murray.
43:54Another look at how Jackson Hayes.
43:56Offensive rebound.
43:58Keep your pivot foot and just take it back up strong.
44:01Gets the easy deuce.
44:03And then Luka comes down and says,
44:04This is my version of the layup.
44:06Step back three.
44:08Nothing but bottom.
44:09You know, if you're looking at like 48 minutes and what guys do,
44:13Jackson Hayes, the last three games,
44:1616 points, 18 rebounds, two blocks in his last 49 minutes.
44:24Here's DeJounte, of course, back after the injury.
44:27Like you said, hadn't seen him on the floor.
44:30And we had in a long time.
44:32We haven't seen him since 2024.
44:34Yeah, long time.
44:38Reeves with control of it and goes to the dribble.
44:41Little start, stop, change of pace.
44:42He attached to Queen.
44:43He's there to knock it away.
44:45Out of bounds.
44:45Good defensive play by the rookie.
44:47That's a good play by Queen.
44:49It did not bind or biting on the head fake.
44:51I mean, he did a good job of just staying, utilizing his position.
44:56And as the Lakers are challenging this out-of-bounds call,
45:00so they take the timeout.
45:027-07 to go in the first half.
45:04And the Lakers, 47.
45:07The Lakers do a pretty good job.
45:08Luka goes inside.
45:09The Jackson Hayes, who has vision on Jake Laravia,
45:13who fakes the three-pointer,
45:15but then sidesteps for the three-pointer and knocks it down.
45:20Lakers showing what happens when you move the basketball efficiently.
45:25Our producer tonight is Mark Shaw.
45:28The Dubba is directing our great crew here in Los Angeles.
45:32And Danita Jo and the Hulkster are alongside.
45:38After review, we have Queen and Reeves both hitting the ball simultaneously out of bounds.
45:42It's going to be a jump ball between Queen and Reeves at the nearest circle
45:45with 24 on the shot clock.
45:47This is a successful challenge for L.A.
45:50They are charged to timeout as it is a mandatory timeout,
45:53and they have one further challenge if necessary.
45:55Well, unless the Lakers steal the tip,
45:59it's going to be Pelican's ball,
46:01because I don't think Austin's going to out-jump.
46:06Again, Smart hasn't scored,
46:08but Reeves is looking for his first bucket tonight.
46:11He has a couple of free throws made.
46:13He's 0 for 4 from the floor.
46:16Look at Jackson.
46:17Jackson wants to jump.
46:18Josh is like, okay.
46:20Now, this is where you have a setup
46:22where you either rotate left or rotate right
46:24to try to steal the tip,
46:25because there's no way, I don't think,
46:28that Austin can out-jump Queen.
46:29Let's see.
46:31And it is taken by the Pelicans.
46:33And perfectly executed on that jump ball.
46:35Five minutes in.
46:37The second quarter.
46:39Pelicans with the basketball.
46:41They're down by seven.
46:43Lob underneath.
46:44Nobody there.
46:45Put up in it.
46:46Now, right around Marcus Smart.
46:48I don't know what defense they were in that time.
46:57Dodgers quarterbacking.
46:58Boy, look at the attention that he raises on the right-hand side.
47:02That rolls around and spills out.
47:04Rui Hachimura.
47:05That 10-point lead has been cut in half
47:07and maybe further.
47:09Fierce.
47:10Don't look it on the perimeter.
47:14Fierce looking for some help.
47:16Finds it now.
47:16Queen can do so many things.
47:18That's why they're so high on him.
47:21He's underneath.
47:22Good pass.
47:23That was a pass and a score.
47:26It was a pass.
47:26It wasn't a great pass.
47:28Oh, but it was good enough.
47:29It was really good.
47:30It was good enough to get the basket.
47:32Yeah, there's no way he had an opportunity at a clean look.
47:36Now it's a 7-0 New Orleans run.
47:39And it's a three-point game.
47:42Luca.
47:43That comes up well short.
47:44They're looking to run once again.
47:46Push the pace.
47:48That's what they're all about.
47:51Drive, kick, Jones, top, Fierce.
47:54He wants it from downtown.
47:55Nearly a wedgie.
47:57But it's going to be taken by the Lake Show.
47:59In the attacking 47, Reeves surveys the floor.
48:03Now goes around one.
48:04Trying to go around two.
48:05He does.
48:06Lakers whip it out on top.
48:08It's going to be Luca.
48:09He hits the heel.
48:10Long shot.
48:10Long rebound.
48:12Doncic after the Hayes rebound.
48:15Still nine to shoot.
48:16So they're not in total scramble mode yet.
48:19Whoa.
48:20Reeves somehow kept that pivot foot.
48:24And that was another Laker turnover.
48:25Queen down the middle.
48:27He goes.
48:27Oh, from behind.
48:29Reeves made the defensive play.
48:31And then Queen dribbles it out of bounds.
48:34It almost looked like Queen lost his balance on the play.
48:37Maybe with a little help from the defense.
48:41Lakers end up with possession.
48:42So they were very fortunate in that semi-transition game.
48:47Reeves didn't give up on the play.
48:49Give him credit for that.
48:50After turning it over, he was the one who came all the way back and made the defensive effort.
48:56Luca, Lakers, frontcourt.
48:59Rui kick it corner.
49:00Marcus Smart's three.
49:02And the Lakers overall shooting 46% and 31% from three.
49:08Pelicans are at 45%.
49:11And 36 from three.
49:18Another offensive rebound given up.
49:20Yeah.
49:21Offensive foul.
49:22Is that Murphy?
49:22Yes, it is.
49:23That's his third.
49:24That's his third.
49:254.44 to go in the first half.
49:28As Trey Murphy picks up his third.
49:31Marcus Smart in position.
49:32And look at that left arm.
49:34Catches the chin of Marcus.
49:38Trey Murphy, who has just worn out the Lakers this year, will sit for the rest of the half.
49:44Better be careful.
49:46Might get teed up.
49:49And you got LeBron James in for the Lakers.
49:52With a three-point lead.
49:54Remember at halftime?
49:55We're sending it back down to the studio in El Segundo.
49:58We'll give you the halftime report.
50:00So plan on that.
50:02Doncic.
50:05Left hand a dribble.
50:06Oh, whips a pass underneath to Aiden.
50:09Yeah.
50:10I tell you, that was some look by Luca.
50:12Everyone thought he was going to the open man in the corner.
50:15And he found Aiden right under the rim.
50:16Luca third in the NBA.
50:18An assist per game.
50:21Misi takes one way.
50:23Goes the other.
50:24Tap once, tap twice.
50:25They battle.
50:26Taken by the Pelicans.
50:28Herbert Jones into the corner.
50:29Nearly fumbled.
50:30It is fumbled out of bounds.
50:32Another look at that pass from Luca to DeAndre Aiden.
50:35Look at this thing.
50:36Oh, that is nice.
50:38And Aiden didn't mishandle that one.
50:40He just catches it and lays it in softly with the left.
50:43You know, Mike talked about it's a lot more than just scoring for Luca when we talked to him at
50:47the top of the show.
50:48And for Luca, he led them in assists the other night 35 times already this year.
50:53But, Dantish has been the leading assist maker for the Lakers.
50:58Reeves.
50:59So, I think he's got a bit of a cold spell from the outside.
51:01Luca, though, finds a lane and lays it up and in.
51:04Good offensive rebound.
51:06Although, it did bounce long for Aiden.
51:08Tracked it down.
51:09And then Aiden gets the assist as he drops the bounce pass to the cutting.
51:14Luca.
51:15And after having their 10-point lead cut down to three, they push it right back to seven, forcing the
51:22Pelicans to take a T.O.
51:25Another look at that offensive rebound by DeAndre Aiden.
51:30Missed jump there.
51:31And Aiden says, I'll take that and the assist.
51:34And Luca scores this 13th point.
51:37He and LeBron, the only two Lakers in double figures.
51:41Let's talk a little Luca, Stu.
51:42What do you think?
51:43I think Luca has to be one of the table sets.
51:46I mean, he's been the guy that, you know, you don't lead the league in scoring by accident.
51:50You have to be a consistent scorer.
51:52And he's shown that he is just that.
51:55You know, he can shoot it off the dribble.
51:57He shoots the three-pointer very well.
51:59But more importantly, if you're looking for a layup, he somehow finds you, whether it's a lob or whether it's
52:06a direct pass like he just did to Aiden.
52:09Yeah, they're the numbers tonight.
52:10And I know, Stu, you're not totally sold on this stat.
52:13But good things usually happen when Luca's on the court.
52:17In fact, he's a plus 44 over the last two games, both Laker blowouts.
52:22Everybody should be a plus 44 in the last two games.
52:25Well, I think he's one of the best on the team in that regard.
52:29How about this right now from Carl's Jr.?
52:30What do you think?
52:31Yeah!
52:32For a limited time, buy one Carl's Jr. famous star single.
52:35Get a second for just one buck.
52:38All right, the Pelicans took that timeout.
52:40You know Zion, who has just now reentered the game.
52:42They're going to set something up for him, either the back door for the lob or something going to his
52:48dominant side.
52:49So, make him a playmaker.
52:52Points off the turnovers.
52:5315-6 for the Lakers.
52:57That's a good number.
52:59LeBron trying to play a little defense.
53:01Herbert Jones nearly went out of bounds.
53:04The scrum ensues underneath.
53:06A little no-look to the fears from B.J.
53:08Out of bounds.
53:09It goes.
53:09Look out.
53:10Second row.
53:10That's good scramble defense that time by the Lakers.
53:13They got out of position initially, but everybody hustled back, trying to get back into the play and force the
53:19T.O.
53:20And again, as I mentioned, they are turning over the Pelicans.
53:23Pelicans are 10th in the league in ball security.
53:26It's going to be an offensive foul.
53:28Yeah, illegal screen by Aiden.
53:30He left too soon.
53:31As soon as the contact came, he started moving.
53:34You've got to hesitate a split second and then make your V-cut.
53:41Five on the floor.
53:42Donchich, Reeves, Aiden, LeBron, and Rui.
53:46So, four of the five starters are out there for J.J. Redick.
53:49There's three fouls on Aiden, by the way.
53:52But he remains in the game.
53:53There it might work on him.
53:57Zion is a tough cover when he tries to get the physical underneath.
54:01Obviously, Jones, Bay, three.
54:04No, it's good rebound by Aiden.
54:06No, he's got six boards and six points.
54:10And again, he's got three double-doubles against them already this year.
54:16LeBron backing in.
54:17Goes now to Luka.
54:18Thought about it.
54:20And there's that little step back for Donchich.
54:22Weeks had rebound.
54:24DeJounte Murray.
54:25So, the Lakers led by 10.
54:27They're chipping away.
54:2951-44.
54:30As the pick cut down the floors are winding down.
54:33Two and a half to go in the half.
54:34Baseline Bay.
54:35Oh, reverse Lamp is good as he comes out the other side.
54:39He attacked that opening in a hurry as they stop play to wipe up the perspiration after the fall by
54:49Sadiq.
54:51He's already on the move and then goes up and under with the left and then falls to the floor.
54:55And that's why there's a stoppage.
54:57Perspiration on the court.
54:59Yeah.
54:59Dangerous.
55:00Sadiq is having himself a year.
55:02Now, one of those great players out of Villanova averaging a career high 17 and a half points.
55:08How about that?
55:09Shooting 45% from the floor.
55:12Luka, nobody picked him up.
55:13He tries to lob it to eight.
55:16Comes a little high.
55:17Yeah.
55:18This has execution that time.
55:21Misfitimed his jump maybe.
55:22Either or.
55:24Wasn't close really.
55:26Jones, the southpaw.
55:27That's an air ball.
55:28Cucked to get it.
55:29DJ, he threw it away.
55:31So, both fans on either side of the floor are getting some action.
55:35That's 11 turnovers for the Pelicans.
55:37Too many for them.
55:38Great for the Lakers.
55:39Lakers have really capitalized, too.
55:42They've got 15 points on those 11.
55:44Yep.
55:44Again, they forced 20 Sacramento turnovers.
55:49Lakers put Luke Kennard in the game.
55:51Final two minutes of the half.
55:53The last time these two teams met, actually, the Pelicans were up by nine.
55:59Nine in the third quarter.
56:00The Lakers had a huge run and had to put it away late.
56:06Got a foul on Luke Kennard there.
56:08Good defense.
56:12Any time you've got Herb Jones involved in a play, you know it's going to be some pretty good defense
56:18because he is a real defensive specialist.
56:20He's in there for that.
56:21He's in eight games of his last ten.
56:23He's been in single digits, so he's not there to score.
56:26There he is selling out on the floor.
56:27You don't need five scores.
56:29That's right.
56:30You need somebody that can prevent a score.
56:3251-46.
56:33Zion's going to score for you.
56:35Yeah, when you let him get into the paint like that.
56:38Almost unstoppable.
56:40Zion, out of Duke.
56:42Number one pick in the draft, 2019.
56:46One of the most anticipated number one picks coming in the league in a long time when it happened.
56:51All right, Luka gets fouled.
56:55Zion's mad at himself.
56:57He said, look, I had him stopped.
56:59I stayed down.
57:00I was disciplined until the very last moment when I tried to go for that block and I'd get a
57:05hold of the arm.
57:06Doncic from the line tonight.
57:08He's only been there once.
57:09Made it.
57:09He's got 13 points, three rebounds, three assists.
57:13Hey, enter your L.A. area nonprofit to win the Lakers Youth Foundation's U-Grant.
57:18Finalists will be selected and featured on Lakers.com, where fans will vote for the win of the $7,500
57:23U-Grant.
57:24Now, to nominate your organization, visit Lakers.com.
57:27Lakers Youth Foundation.
57:29It's the official team charity of the purple and gold.
57:34Luka missed the first free throw, and he's asking the officials or saying to the officials that they stepped into
57:39the lane too quick.
57:41Officials just totally disregarding anything that he's saying right now.
57:46Keep talking.
57:4829.5 points, nearly 10 assists average in the three wins over the Pelicans this year.
57:54Technical?
57:55On Luka.
57:56Yeah, and then Reeves better hold him back.
58:00That's your number one job right now, A.R.
58:05Well, he still, after he made the second shot, he was even complaining that they were in the lane too
58:10soon.
58:11And actually, they were in the lane too soon.
58:14DeAndre Jordan was in the lane before the ball left his hand.
58:17But once the call is not made, you've got to try to let it go.
58:24Try to make your point in a way that doesn't draw the letter.
58:28Because when that letter comes up, it costs your team and it costs you money.
58:35You don't know how much.
58:36You know how much it is.
58:39Here's Williamson underneath.
58:40Put it up at it.
58:41Again, you cannot let him go to his dominant side.
58:45Yep, he does it every time, doesn't he?
58:46Yeah, every time.
58:49But he does it with such authority, can't stop him.
58:53Jocic pulls up, mid-range.
58:56Yes, nothing but net for Luka.
59:00Three-point game here, 53 seconds.
59:05The Lakers lead at the half.
59:07We'll hear from JJ coming off the court.
59:10Back and forth the dribble, out on the logo.
59:13It's DeJounte Murray.
59:15Of course, he's with Atlanta for quite a spell.
59:18Bad match up here.
59:19Oh, Murray corner.
59:20Oh, it hits the side of the board.
59:22Why did he settle for that?
59:23He had almost an ISO with DeAndre 8-0.
59:27A little off big.
59:28He could have taken it off the dribble, probably.
59:30Yeah, the quickness would have just put right into his advantage.
59:34Can Austin get his first hoop here?
59:36He only gets around one.
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