Tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET the Los Angeles Lakers (3-5) will host the New Orleans Pelicans (3-4) after losing to them in the Bayou on November 8th. Live stream the game by clicking this link; Pelicans fans can listen to the game by WWL 105.3, while Lakers fans can check out the radio broadcast on 710 ESPN.
The last time the Pelicans and Lakers met, a few short nights ago, second-year center Anthony Davis recorded six blocked shots, with seemingly all of them coming at the expense of Lakers big man Pau Gasol.
"He's got a complete package for his second year in the league," Gasol said of Davis. "It's pretty impressive."
The evisceration of Gasol was indicative of the team's overall effort, according to head coach Mike D'Antoni. "We came out soft," D'Antoni said. "There just wasn't enough intensity into the defense and we paid for it. ... Sometimes we don't have enough speed on the floor and tonight it hurt us. Sometimes you get away with it, but we have to find a way to get more speed."
Point guard Steve Blake, playing a large role in the absence of Kobe Bryant, said the Lakers are unhappy with the way they've begun this season despite low expectations.
"I think we're obviously disappointed in our performance," Blake said. "I know I am personally, but I think we have guys who are going to come in tomorrow and work hard. That's all we can do. You can't put your head down, you have to move on, and you figure it out. It's a long season, and we have more games."
For any improvements to be made, though, Gasol will need to round into form. Through seven games Gasol is averaging a double-double, but is being counted on to give L.A. more than 11.9 points per game.
"I think he will come back into shape, we just have to be a little patient," D'Antoni said of Gasol. "I think he is getting frustrated too, but it's also a product of the team and that's one reason why we need more energy on the floor."
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