LAS VEGAS – It was an offensive struggle throughout much of Friday’s summer opener for New Orleans 2016 draftees Buddy Hield and Cheick Diallo. But they had plenty of company.
The Pelicans had trouble finding their shooting touch all night, finishing at just 32.9 percent from the field in a convincing Lakers victory. Hield led New Orleans with 13 points but shot only 5/20, while Diallo started slowly with two makes in his first seven attempts. The Pelicans couldn’t find a rhythm all game, being held to under 20 points in all four quarters.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Los Angeles built a 71-50 lead with six-plus minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Lakers’ biggest edge to that point of the game.
TURNING POINT
The Lakers jumped on the Pelicans in the early moments, with big advantages in rebounding and hustle plays. Although New Orleans made a run to get back in it and even the score by the end of the first quarter, Los Angeles quickly set an aggressive tone.
