LeBron James had 21 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds, and Anthony Davis added 17 points against his former team in the Los Angeles Lakers' fifth consecutive victory, 112-95 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit four 3-pointers while scoring 16 points, and Montrezl Harrell also had 16 for the defending NBA champions. The Lakers remained unbeaten in five meetings with the Pelicans since the franchise-altering trade in July 2019 that sent Davis to LA and three starters to New Orleans.
Brandon Ingram scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half against his former team for the Pelicans, who have lost five straight. Zion Williamson had 21 points and 12 rebounds after missing Wednesday's game against the Clippers due to the NBA's health and safety protocols, but New Orleans blew an early 15-point lead on its third stop on a seven-game trip.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, top, and New Orleans Pelicans center Steven Adams (12) air their differences during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)
Davis averaged 36 points and 12 rebounds in his three reunions with the Pelicans last season, but he took a complementary role this time in another impressive team win led by James and featuring seven Lakers scoring at least nine points.
Dennis Schröder had 12 points for the Lakers, and Kyle Kuzma added 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Los Angeles broke away with a 15-0 run late in the third while forcing eight straight misses and three turnovers by New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)
TIP-INS
Pelicans: Lonzo Ball missed his LA homecoming with knee tendinitis. ... Eric Bledsoe scored seven points after being questionable with right eye irritation. ... JJ Redick converted a four-point play in the first quarter.
Lakers: Davis played with lower back tightness. ... Alex Caruso had another phenomenal two-way game, hitting three straight 3-pointers and posting a plus-29 in his first 18 minutes of play.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dunks during the first quarter of the team's NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)
UP NEXT
Pelicans: at Kings on Sunday.
Lakers: Host Warriors on Monday.
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James points to a person in the stands before the team's NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP PhotoAshley Landis)