Anthony Davis, LeBron's Return, New Starting Lineup Fuel a Big Lakers Win Over Pelicans

The Lakers needed a win in basically every way on Wednesday at home vs. New Orleans. They needed it in the standings, where a loss would push them even further behind one of the teams they're trying to track down. They needed it mentally, because heading into the All Star break on consecutive losses would be a tough thing to sit on.

And with all that on the line, they got it, and in rather impressive fashion, too. 120-102, in a game they started hot and finished strong.

And speaking of starting, Darvin Ham shook up the starting lineup in a major way, re-uniting D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt, all former teammates in Minnesota, in the opening five next to LeBron James (back in the lineup) and Anthony Davis. That crew got off to a very hot start, helping open up a 13-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

The offense slowed down in the second quarter, but overall the team looked like a team with a single style of play and some continuity throughout, no matter who was on the floor. That's a major change from the Russell Westbrook Era, where Russ Minutes demanded the Lakers either shift their style to what Russ did best, or try to work around him (particularly in the half court). Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, but it made it hard for the Lakers to develop something consistent through a game, and too often hampered late-game execution.

D'Angelo Russell, on the other hand, is a much more conventional third scorer, and that's a good thing. The full repertoire was on display Wednesday, with 21 points in 27 minutes. He was one of many Lakers who had good moments on the floor. LeBron had a nice game, but basically was allowed to stay in cruise control and didn't crack the 30 minute mark.

And Davis? He looked like the ANTHONY DAVIS the Lakers were getting pre-injury. 28 points in only 30 minutes, on 11-14 from the floor. 10 boards, five assists, two blocks, and a +18. This is the type of game that builds momentum for the player and the team heading into the break. It can help them believe, and belief is something they must have if the Lakers are going to crack the playoff ranks.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham changes up the starting lineup, and is rewarded for it.

SEGMENT 2: What works with the new-look Lakers, particularly swapping Russell for Westbrook as a designated third scorer.

SEGMENT 3: Welcome back, Anthony Davis!

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