Kobe Bryant returned to action on Tuesday night, only to leave the game late in the second quarter with a sore right Achilles. The Pelicans were without Anthony Davis who is still dealing with a back contusion. Even with Kobe leaving the game early, the Lakers were able to beat the short-handed Pelicans 95-91 in Los Angeles.
Larry gets UP! https://t.co/3vYpD4Elab
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 13, 2016
The Lakers got Russell, Bass, and Bryant all back from injury, only to lose Bass and Bryant throughout the game. Kobe decided to give it a go after missing the game Sunday against the Jazz with an Achilles injury. He was only able to play 15 minutes in this one before re-aggravating his Achilles, finishing with 7 points on 3-9 shooting. His statues for Thursday’s game in Oakland against the defending champs is in doubt, Byron Scott said after the game.
Rookie D’Angelo Russell returned after missing Sunday’s game with a sprained ankle, and finished with 13 points on 4-8 from the field, with 4 boards and 3 dimes. Julius Randle had 7 points and 11 boards off the bench once again, including hitting a couple key shots late.
Lou Williams had 19 points on just 4014 shooting, with 8 assists and 4 boards, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 18 points on 5-17 clip with 7 boards.
Sweet Lou! Lakers up 3! https://t.co/uZu8ShwRgG
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 13, 2016
Tyreke Evans had a game-high 21 points on an 8-17 clip for the Pelicans, whose offense took quite a hit without The Unibrow. Ryan Anderson had 15, Eric Gordon and Jrue Holiday had 14 apiece, Norris Cole had 11 off the bench and Alexis Ajinca had a double double for New Orleans.
Julius Randle hit the go-ahead finger roll with just 43 seconds left, and Lou Williams put the nail in the coffin with a running jumper with 18 ticks remaining to seal the win for the Lakers, and to end their 4-game losing streak. Brandon Bass left the game in the fourth quarter after turning his right ankle, and wasn’t able to return to the contest. Although the X-rays came back negative, Byron Scott said he wasn’t sure if bass will be able to play Thursday night. Rookie Anthony Brown chipped in 9 points and 4 boards on 3-5 shooting in 23 minutes. Brown continues to improve each and every game, which is a great sign for this young team.
Randle for the lead! https://t.co/McaLbb0vPK
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) January 13, 2016
The Lakers mark goes to 9-31, which is second-worst in the NBA, only ahead of the Sixers. The Pelicans drop to 11-26, and have gone 3-7 in their last ten contests. The Lakers travel up North to face the Warriors on Thursday night, and the Pelicans head up to Sacramento to take on the Kings, Tyreke Evans former team, on Wednesday night.
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