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The LA Lakers are back in Staples Center on Friday, facing off against the New Orleans Pelicans after winning every single game while they were away. In what will be a battle between the current King, LeBron James, and the player who is a favorite to continue his legacy in Zion Williamson, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The LA Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans have a solid history dating back to the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the LA Lakers and Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart to the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Lakers Prediction: A starting five featuring veterans and young talent alike
The New Orleans Pelicans started this season on a strong note, winning three out of their first five games, but have only managed to win one of their last five since. Their All-Star, Brandon Ingram, leads the team in scoring with 23.8 points per game and this looks to be his best season yet. Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe are gradually improving in sharing their ball-handling responsibilities. Nickeil Alexander-Walker having a career high 37 points in his last game, is also a bright spot. All of the New Orleans Pelicans' last four losses have been with low margins, something they would be looking to convert into a win.
The LA Lakers are comfortably cruising through the Western Conference and have become the first team to hit the NBA's 10-win milestone. Their offseason moves are paying off. Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Matthews, and the earlier players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma have positive impacts on the team.
Let's take a look at the combined starting five from both these teams.
Point Guard - Dennis Schroder
Former Sixth Man of the Year nominee, Dennis Schroder, has established himself as a starter on the LA Lakers. This takes away LeBron James's pressure, allowing him to play his natural role as a small forward. Schroder has been doing a good job so far, averaging 14.2 points a game. Perhaps the most impressive thing, however, is the healthy chemistry he already seems to have developed with other new players such as Montrezl Harrell, something he is pleased with.
Also Read: Michael Jordan vs Lebron James Stats, Awards and Trophies
Shooting Guard - Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe has been doing a decent job with the New Orleans Pelicans after being traded from the Milwaukee Bucks last year. However, developing chemistry with his teammates is still vital for him to play to his fullest potential. He continues to be a decent scorer for the team, with 11.8 points a game and strong defense averaging one steal. His veteran presence is necessary for the Pelicans, while he remains questionable for the game against the LA Lakers with a right eye irritation.
SF - LeBron James - LA Lakers
At 36, LeBron James will still be the critical factor in the LA Lakers-New Orleans Pelicans matchup. He continues to be one of the best players in the league and shows no signs of slowing down, as he leads the LA Lakers in minutes played, points scored, and assists. LeBron continues to space out the LA Lakers floor and looks determined to repeat as NBA champions with his team.
PF - Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans
The first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Zion Williamson has lived up to the hype surrounding him. Despite missing out on most of the last season and playing on a minutes restriction, he still managed to get nominated for Rookie of the Year.
However, this year Zion is better than ever, averaging 21.9 points and 8.1 rebounds for his team. He has the difficult task of guarding Anthony Davis or LeBron James to give the New Orleans Pelicans some chance of winning the game.
Center - Anthony Davis - LA Lakers
Anthony Davis continues to be one of the top 5 players in the NBA and the second best on the LA Lakers. He is averaging 22.1 points and 8.5 rebounds this season, with a crazy 56.7 field goal percentage. He is also thoroughly improved his three-point shot, shooting 39.4 percent from behind the arc. It'll be interesting to see who guards Davis in the match against the New Orleans Pelicans, and expect him to take full advantage of the size mismatch.
