The Los Angeles Lakers are back on the court on Friday night as they host some familiar faces when they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans, who are in a much better place than the Lakers found them before Thanksgiving back in New Orleans.
Tonight’s game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
The Pelicans have won five of their last six games and are winners of four straight games coming into Friday’s game with the Lakers. It will also be a big game for several Pelicans in Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, who will be making their first appearance as visiting players against their former Lakers squad.
Over the last six games, Ingram has been even better than usual, which has been great this season. He’s averaging 26.7 points, five assists and six rebounds while shooting nearly 51% from the field and 44% from the 3-point line.
The Pelicans have also gone to a different starting lineup during their win-streak, putting Ball back into the starting lineup while also getting back center Derrick Favors, who has helped bring an anchor to their defense. It also likely is exciting the team a little bit that Zion Willamson is closer than ever to making his season debut.
The Pelicans aren’t a tough foe on paper but they’re a different team now. The Lakers need to be careful they aren’t caught by surprise.
[lawrence-related id=24361,24342]