Lakers guard Dalton Knecht dunks over New Orleans Pelicans forward Jamal Cain during the second half on Saturday night in New Orleans. The Lakers won, 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, and the New Orleans Pelicans Yves Missi scramble for a loose ball during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) shoots over Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers star Anthony Davis dunks in front of the New Orleans Pelicans Brandon Boston Jr. during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Jamal Cain (8) and center Trey Jemison III battle for a rebound against Lakers center Christian Koloko in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves shoots as the New Orleans Pelicans Brandon Ingram, right, and Javonte Green defend during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) and forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) lap for a rebound against Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers guard Max Christie shoots as the New Orleans Pelicans Jamal Cain defends during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram shoots as Lakers guard Max Christie defends during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James dunks during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James reacts after scoring during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots against Lakers guard Austin Reaves in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts after making a 3-point shot in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) moves the ball down court past Lakers guard DAngelo Russell (1) on a turnover in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes around New Orleans Pelicans guard Brandon Boston Jr. (11) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leaps for a rebound against New Orleans Pelicans forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) and forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves shoots as the New Orleans Pelicans Yves Missi defends during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jaylen Nowell (20) passes between Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), guard Austin Reaves and guard DAngelo Russell (1) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans center Trey Jemison III (55) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers center Christian Koloko shoots over the New Orleans Pelicans Trey Jemison III (55) during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green calls out from the bench in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Lakers in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James shoots between the New Orleans Pelicans Yves Missi, right, and Javonte Green during the first half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi battle under the basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes to the basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The New Orleans Pelicans Brandon Ingram, right, is fouled by Lakers guard Gabe Vincent during the second half on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis goes to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans center Trey Jemison III (55) and forward Brandon Ingram in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jaylen Nowell (20) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram blocks a shot by Lakers forward Anthony Davis in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers star Anthony Davis reacts after being fouled during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James drives to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans center Trey Jemison III (55) and guard Jaylen Nowell (20) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James loses the ball as he goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Jamal Cain (8) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers head coach JJ Redick calls out from the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14)celebrates after making a 3-point shot in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis battles under the basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)=x3
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes around New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) shoots a 3-point shot in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) looks to pass around New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) and center Yves Missi (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) tries to pass around New Orleans Pelicans guard Brandon Boston Jr. (11) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3)shoots over New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shots a 3-point basket against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Max Christie (12) after making a 3-point basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Lakers won 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Lakers forward LeBron James greets his son guard Bronny James, right during warm-ups before an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Show Caption1 of 45Lakers guard Dalton Knecht dunks over New Orleans Pelicans forward Jamal Cain during the second half on Saturday night in New Orleans. The Lakers won, 104-99. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
ExpandNEW ORLEANS — One night after the Lakers were clicking on all cylinders in their most impressive road performance of the season, they looked like a team struggling to find answers on Saturday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.
A team struggling to find its collective energy from the jump after beating the Spurs on Friday night in San Antonio.
A team struggling to find an offensive rhythm – especially with the rotation forced to adjust again because of injuries.
A team struggling to keep the Pelicans, who were even more short-handed, off the offensive glass for significant parts of Saturday.
But in the end, the Lakers (9-4) overcame the lulls associated with playing on the second night of a back-to-back, scraping together a 104-99 victory over the Pelicans for their fifth consecutive win.
“It’s good to know that you can execute down the stretch, you can make plays down the stretch no matter what the game calls for,” Lakers star LeBron James said. “[Saturday] was another one of those moments.”
Anthony Davis (31 points, 14 rebounds) and rookie forward Dalton Knecht (career-high 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, 5 for 10 from 3-point range) gave the Lakers the boost they needed in the third quarter to overcome a 10-point halftime deficit after trailing by 15 in the second quarter.
But it was James (21 points, seven rebounds, five assists) providing the Lakers with the late-game shot-making they needed.
After missing his first five 3-point attempts and struggling with his shot for most of the night, the 39-year-old James knocked down a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer to put the Lakers ahead, 98-97, with less than two minutes left.
And one night after playing a more off-ball role in crunch time, James controlled the game late, knocking down another 3-pointer out of a pick-and-roll to put the Lakers ahead, 101-97, with 37 seconds left.
James did his signature palms down “Silencer” celebration after the second 3-pointer.
“Just living in the moment, being able to still make plays and make big shots at this point in my career,” he said. “That’s what you live for. You never will be able to get those moments back when you’re done.”
James missed a pull-up two-point attempt on the Lakers’ ensuing possession after Jeremiah Robinson-Earl made a layup to cut the Lakers’ deficit to two. Max Christie back-tapped an offensive rebound so the Lakers could maintain possession.
“How about Max Christie? Crash of his life from the corner,” Coach JJ Redick said. “He guarded his butt off all night. Not a big offensive night and he gets that offensive rebound tip-out to kind of seal the win for us. That was huge.”
With the Pelicans forced to foul late, James split a pair of free throws and Knecht made a pair to seal the win.
“Let’s be honest, it wasn’t his best performance going into crunch time,” Redick said. “And unsurprisingly, he delivered. Beyond just LeBron’s crunch-time performance, our group, in some ways, that could have been the [Nov. 4 road loss to the Detroit Pistons] for us. We stayed connected. We kept fighting. The resiliency that we showed was really good.”
The Pelicans were led by Brandon Ingram, who had 32 points, eight rebounds, four rebounds and three steals. New Orleans was without Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado.
Davis (15 points) and Knecht (11) combined for 26 of the Lakers’ 29 third-quarter points.
“Every time he shoots the ball, I think it’s going in,” Davis said of Knecht. “That’s why we get so frustrated and upset with him when he doesn’t shoot. He’s a great player. He can defend, he can shoot, he can put it on the floor, he can pass. So he can do it all. But when he have his stretches when he gets hot, it’s a big boost for our team. And we’re able to feed off the energy and most of the time we make a run off of it.”
Knecht, who made his second consecutive start and third of the season on Saturday, has averaged 20 points on 63.9% shooting (63.2% from behind the arc) over his last three games.
“He’s getting comfortable,” Redick said of Knecht. “But I would also say when you are an offensive player, when you’re a guy who is a high-level shooter, getting more extended runs and getting more minutes, you’re naturally just going to be more in the flow of the game.
“I think maybe I called a play or two for him, but he just kind of got it through our offense and our passing and ball movement.”
The Pelicans (4-10) finished with 18 offensive rebounds for 24 second-chance points, with most of those extra opportunities coming in the first half. New Orleans had six offensive rebounds for 10 second-chance points in the second half.
The Lakers finished with 17 offensive rebounds for 28 second-chance points.
“There wasn’t really an adjustment defensively – it was just get the [expletive] ball,” Redick said. “That’s all it was.”
The Lakers will have a couple of days off before opening a three-game homestand with an NBA Cup Group Play matchup against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
They opened Group Play with the aforementioned victory over the Spurs to stay undefeated in NBA Cup play dating to last season’s inaugural tournament.