The Los Angeles Lakers are going to play for the first NBA Cup after obliterating the New Orleans Pelicans, 133-89, in the semifinal round of the in-season tournament on Thursday.
While the first quarter was competitive, the Lakers started stomping on their opponents in the second quarter and never let up. In the second and third periods, they outscored New Orleans, 81-41, and seemed to take the life out of Zion Williamson and company.
LeBron James was the engine that powered L.A. to this extremely lopsided victory. He scored 18 points in the critical second period. In just 23 minutes, he tallied 30 points on 9-of-12 shooting, eight assists, five rebounds and zero turnovers.
NBA social media reacted to this resounding performance while anticipating Saturday’s final between the Lakers and the Indiana Pacers.