NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were back once again to take on the New Orleans Pelicans. They squared off for the second time in three days. It was a closely fought contest that got decided in the closing seconds.

LeBron James' three-pointer dagger helped the Lakers down the Davis-less Pelicans. With this win, the Lakers are once again back in the playoffs picture. The Pelicans definitely don't look like they are going to be able to make it to the post-season.

This win helped the Lakers move up 2-1 against the Pelicans this regular season and will meet for their final matchup in March, in New Orleans. Let us take a look at three talking points from the Lakers' win against the Pelicans.

#3 Julius Randle's all-round performance against his former team

Julius Randle had an explosive game but that did not give the Pelicans the win

Julius Randle is having his breakout season in the NBA, averaging career-high numbers across the categories. Randle has been a force to reckon with and the defenders haven't been able to guard him all season long.

Randle's love affair with Los Angeles Lakers, his former team is nothing new. He likes playing against them and in the Pelicans' first two games against the Lakers this year, he performed exceptionally well.

Last night, Randle went off once again and exploded for 35 points but that did not give the Pelicans the win. Even though the Pelicans were without Anthony Davis, they showed they can beat the Lakers just three nights before.

Randle was very dominant in the paint, his favorite region and bullied his way to the basket on several occasions. He finished the night with 35 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

#2 Six Lakers' players scored in double-digits

Brandon Ingram registered his fourth straight 20-point game

A lot of players showed up for the Lakers in scoring against the Pelicans. While it was LeBron James who led the way with his 33 points, Brandon Ingram added 23 enroute to his fourth straight 20-point game.

Kyle Kuzma, who had 22 points against the Grizzlies in the loss, scored 22 points for the second straight time. Six players scored in double-digits, including Javale McGee who came off the bench and added 10 points.

However, the Lakers' bench got outscored by the Pelicans', 22-35. For the Lakers to reach the playoffs, they need their young core to contribute on a nightly basis and be more consistent without shouldering the entire burden on LeBron James.

As a matter of fact, Brandon Ingram is averaging career-high figures, continues to improve and it is only a matter of time before he becomes an All-Star.

#1 LeBron James is already in playoffs mode ?

Seems like LeBron James is already in his playoffs mode

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in a very dangerous situation and we might see a LeBron-less playoffs for the first time after a very long time. After falling to the lowly Grizzlies in Memphis, everyone expected LeBron to go off against the Pelicans and he did just that.

James finished the night with 33 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists on a good 57.1 % shooting. This includes his dagger three-pointer that sealed the deal for the Lakers with just over 30 seconds to go in the contest.

It was a tough one-legged corner three-pointer and the Staples' Center crowd went berserk right after he netted that three-pointer. It extended the Lakers' lead to six points and effectively won the game. Expect more of these from LeBron in quest for the playoffs, as we move closer to the end of the regular season.