Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant’s 27 Lifts LA Past Pelicans

Kobe Bryant had another vintage night as his 27 points put the Lakers past the Pelicans.

The Los Angeles Lakers, courtesy of 27 points from Kobe Bryant, picked up their second straight win Thursday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Thanks to a 9-0 run early in the first quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers accumulated a 10-point lead that they held onto for the majority of the game. Despite their best efforts, the most they were able to stretch out their lead was 13.

In the final frame, the Pelicans cut the Lakers lead down to three when Bryant answered with a clutch three-pointer with under a minute remaining to go up 98-92.

The Pelicans battled back and fouled Bryant as the Lakers nursed a two point lead. The Mamba made one of two as New Orleans took a final possession.

The Lakers perimeter defense prevailed as Jrue Holiday air-balled on a final three-point attempt.

With the victory, the Lakers (11-41) are now on a two-game win-streak after prevailing over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

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Bryant had another huge night as he led the Lakers with 27 points and 12 rebounds.

Jordan Clarkson had 18 points, while D’Angelo Russell had 13 off the bench.

Anthony Davis had an incredible performance for the Pelicans in the loss with 39 points and 11 rebounds.

Both Holiday and Bryce Dejean-Jones had 17 points in support of Davis, but ultimately it was the battle on the boards that spoiled the night for New Orleans. The Lakers out-rebounded the Pelicans 48-40.

The Lakers are now in a good rhythm as they go into one of their most difficult stretches in their schedule. Their next three games are on the road against the Spurs, Pacers, and Cavaliers.

While the Lakers have a tall task ahead of them, their young roster stands to benefit from learning during this stretch. Rookie D’Angelo Russell is improving and becoming more comfortable in his role off the bench.

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Julius Randle continues to improve; he had 11 points against the Pelicans and several of his eight rebounds came at critical moments in the fourth quarter.

The purple and gold also has a huge advantage on the road that could work in their favor. The usual road-disadvantage will be stymied as it is Bryant’s final visit to each arena on the road trip.

Earlier this season, we saw teams going out of their way to honor Bryant in his final visit to each city and fans across the league are excessively applauding N0. 24, as they watch him play for the final time.

As the season enters the second half, Bryant’s retirement draws ever closer and his reception throughout the league is getting bigger each game.

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What I expect, is that the young Lakers will be able to concentrate on executing on the court while the focus is on Bryant putting on a final show.

This week will be the most exciting for the Lakers Nation – before Bryant plays his final All-Star Game next weekend, he will have his second-to-last meeting with rival LeBron James.