A frozen offense finally thawed when needed most, as the Lakers squeaked out a win over New Orleans despite shooting just 36.8 percent from the field.
The 95-91 victory was only the eighth time in franchise history that Los Angeles won while hitting worse than 37 percent.
“I don’t care about percentages,” said Lou Williams, who had 19 points. “One thing about scoring in this league that everybody knows understands is some nights you make shots and some nights you don’t.
“The thing you’ve got to do is bring some type of value to the game. You’ve got to be a able to do something else positive.”
Indeed, Williams’ percentage took a dip, as he shot 4-of-14, but the Sixth Man of the Year also helped to keep L.A. afloat with eight assists.
However, his shooting came through when needed most, as he kissed a runner off the glass with 1:18 to take a 90-89 lead. When New Orleans’ Jrue Holiday responded with a layup, Julius Randle came to the rescue.
Williams missed his countering shot, but Randle came up with the offensive rebound and then went one-on-one against Alonzo Gee for the go-ahead finger roll.
“He’s thirsty for those rebounds,” Jordan Clarkson said. “He’s diving in there, knocking people over and doing everything he can to get them. I think he really came in there and changed the game.”
Williams added another bank shot to ensure that New Orleans’ five-game win streak over the Lakers was over.
The Lakers missed their first 14 3-pointers and were shooting just 21-of-64 overall heading into the fourth quarter.
But plays from Williams, Randle (seven points, 11 rebounds) and Clarkson (18 points) helped avoid defeat against a Pelicans team missing superstar Anthony Davis.
“The young guys are starting to get a little resilient; starting to learn,” head coach Byron Scott said. “We’ve been saying that for the past couple of weeks. They’re starting to grow against a pretty good team.
“Obviously minus Anthony they’re a totally different team, but it was a gutsy win for us.”
Securing that win also meant securing the ball, as L.A. (9-31) had a season-low eight turnovers. The purple and gold also punished the Pelicans (11-26) at the line by owning a 21-8 advantage in made free throws.
pic.twitter.com/UYsKyCQSO6
New Lou In his two games since dropping a career-high 44 points against Oklahoma City on Jan. 8, Williams has averaged 7.0 assists.
Though he has also 15.5 shots in that pair of games, his passing has been notably more effective.
“(I’m) just trying to make the positive plays,” Williams said. “I think after the 44-point night teams come out and start being a little bit more aggressive. When teams trap you and put two guys on you, obviously somebody else on the floor is open.”
Williams is averaging only 2.6 assists on the season, but says that opportunities to drop dimes come more easily when the defense is concerned about his shot.
“I’ve got some attention for quite a while, but especially after that (44-point)game,” he said.
Walking off with the Win #GoLakers
A photo posted by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Jan 12, 2016 at 10:40pm PST
Bryant, Bass Injured
Unfortunately for L.A., the victory was costly on the medical front, as both Kobe Bryant and Brandon Bass exited the game due to injuries in the second half.
Bryant was further hampered by a sore right Achilles tendon, which caused him to miss Sunday’s game against Utah.
“I don’t know the extent of it,” head coach Byron Scott said. “But obviously it must be bothering him pretty badly.”
Meanwhile, Bass, who missed the Utah game due to an eye injury, rolled his ankle in the third quarter.
Neither player’s status was clear for Thursday’s contest at Golden State.
Kobe Bryant #NBAVOTE
A photo posted by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Jan 12, 2016 at 8:21pm PST
Notes L.A.’s leading scorers, Williams and Clarkson, combined to shoot just 9-of-31. … In Davis’ stead, the Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis (21 points). … A crowd of 18,997 sold out Staples Center.
All the highlights from the win over the Pelicans!! #GoLakers https://t.co/oklTGeFCiI
