In the finale of the regular season, the Lakers defeated the Pelicans by 16 points, not only consolidating their eighth position in the West, but also cleverly introducing the Pelicans into the "whirlpool" of the play-offs. In this game, the Lakers' starting five Tigers all showed their strength and determination.
James completed a triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 17 assists, like an all-around commander who controls the pace of the game. Bushy Brow contributed 30 points and 11 rebounds, and his dominance on the interior was breathtaking.
Russell and Reaves scored 19 and 20 points, respectively, and their sharp offense provided the Lakers with a steady stream of firepower. Hachimura, who gradually rose to prominence at the end of the season, also contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the overall statistics. It's fair to say that the Lakers' starters have shown their quality at their best.
Off the bench, the consistent performances of Prince and Dinwiddie provide the Lakers with strong depth. While their rankings may not be conspicuous, they are strong enough for any opponent to ignore. In addition, Vincent's return from injury has become an unpredictable X-factor.
The Lakers' opponent in the first round of the play-off tournament is the Pelicans, do they dare to relax in the slightest? Because they couldn't predict whether they would face the Kings or the Warriors in the second leg of the play-offs. Especially the Kings, the Lakers are jealous of them. If the Kings win the first leg and the Lakers lose, the Lakers vs. Kings will be in the second leg of the play-offs. The Lakers are at great risk of being eliminated from the playoffs, as they were swept by the Kings in this season's meeting. According to ESPN's Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin, Vincent performed exceptionally well in training for the New Orleans Pelicans, shooting all three-pointers.
In addition, even if the Lakers face the Warriors, there is no guarantee of a safe victory. In the regular season this season, the Warriors had the upper hand in the clash with the Lakers, who won 3-1. Therefore, the Lakers need to be cautious every step in this play-off game without the slightest carelessness. And if Vincent can regain his former style in the Heat, then the strength of this Lakers team will be even more incredible.