Lakers and Pelicans Set for Big Easy Finale
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Sunday afternoon.

The Lakers (46-35) could head into the postseason as either the No. 8 or No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, and they enter Sunday's finale having won 10 of their last 13 games. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they got by the Memphis Grizzlies by a 123-120 score. LeBron James led the Lakers with 37 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Anthony Davis posted a 36-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists, two blocks and one steal. Rui Hachimura supplied 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Austin Reaves netted 13 points.

The Lakers will list Davis (eye) as probable for Sunday's game. Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) will be out.

The Pelicans (49-32) have gotten hot at the right time of year, as they enter Sunday's finale having won four straight games. New Orleans owns a one-game lead over the Phoenix Suns for the coveted No. 6 seed in the West, but with Phoenix having prevailed in the season series between the teams, Willie Green's squad must prevail Sunday to ensure they don't fall into the play-in level. The Pels' most recent success unfolded Friday night, when they got by the Golden State Warriors by a 114-109 score. CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Zion Williamson registered 26 points, three rebounds, three assists, six steals and one block. Trey Murphy furnished 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. Herbert Jones finished with 13 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.

The Pelicans will list Brandon Ingram (knee) and Naji Marshall (shoulder) as questionable for Sunday's game.

Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 2-1 series lead.
Posted on: 4/13/2024 8:54 PM