The Lakers are in a bad position, already losing four straight, and on April 2 they will play at home against the Pelicans. LeBron is likely to play, Davis is also likely to come back, because they are ranking competitors, so they will do their best to lead the team out of the predicament. The Pelicans are in good shape, with the last two consecutive wins, and Ingram and McCollum need to make steady outputs so they can maintain their rankings.
The Lakers' last game was against the Jazz, and the result was a 109-122 loss, which is not surprising, after all, LeBron failed to play. After the Lakers lost, they lost four consecutive games and fell to 11th in the standings. If the Lakers still want to make the playoffs, they must win one more game than the Spurs. The game against the Pelicans is also very important, and if you win, the hope of moving into the playoffs is even greater.
LeBron currently has injury problems and he missed the last game against the Jazz because of an injury to his left ankle. Due to the team's successive losses, LeBron will most likely return in the game against the Pelicans, and he will fully lead the team to attack the play-off places. LeBron averaged 30.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game in the new season, and he scored a high score of 39 points against the Pelicans last time, and he is the Lakers' most reliable attack point as long as he plays.
According to the news of the US media, Davis has recovered from injury and may play in a game with the Pelicans, and if he can play, it will greatly improve the strength of the Lakers' interior line. Davis averaged 23.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in the new season, and the Lakers can't do without this powerful interior line in future games, otherwise they won't go far.
Westbrook has been in good shape lately, with 20+points in six of seven games, which has helped the team on the offensive end. If James and Davis play at the same time, what Westbrook has to do is give them support. The Lakers need Westbrook to have a steady shooting percentage and fewer turnovers, so the team's chances of winning are greater. Of course, the Lakers want to win the game can not rely on James, Davis, Westbrook alone, Munch, Anthony, Howard, Tucker and others to play. The most important thing for the Lakers is defense, which is the basis for winning.
The Pelicans won the last game against the Trail Blazers and won 117-107, winning two straight games and three of their last four games. Against the Lakers, the Pelicans' goal is clear, that is, to win and consolidate the rankings. The Pelicans are currently ninth in the West, two wins ahead of the Spurs and Lakers behind them. If the Pelicans beat the Lakers again, then it will further stabilize the ranking.
McCollum is an important point of attack for the Pelicans, and he has been doing well since he joined, and he has to make a stronger impact on the opposing defense against the Lakers. Ingram is another point of attack for the Pelicans, who last recorded 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists against the Lakers. The Lakers are Ingram's old owner, so his morale will be different, coupled with the problem of the team's ranking, he will definitely give his full strength.
Valanciunas is the Pelicans' inner line pillar, and the Lakers' inner line is a weak point, so be sure to seize the opportunity. If thick eyebrows come back, Varan should also pay attention to the defensive end. The Pelicans also have Hayes, Hernangomez, Nance, Murphy, Alvarado, Marshall and others available, and at this time they must also stand up.
Expected debut:
Pelicans: McCollum, Ingram, Jones, Hayes, Valanciunas.
Lakers: Westbrook, Munch, LeBron, Davis, Howard.