Pelicans vs Lakers: A Rivalry on the Rise
The matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers has become one of the more exciting and dynamic rivalries in the NBA over the past few years. While the history between these two teams may not be as rich as some of the league’s other long-standing rivalries, the energy surrounding their games has steadily risen, especially with the growth of New Orleans’ roster and the star power of Los Angeles.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history, key players, recent matchups, and why the Pelicans vs Lakers rivalry is one to watch in the NBA.
Historical Background of the Rivalry
Historically, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been major rivals in terms of postseason battles. However, their recent meetings have brought about a renewed interest, particularly with the emergence of young talent in New Orleans and the sustained excellence of the Lakers.
The Pelicans entered the NBA as the New Orleans Hornets in 2002 after the Charlotte Hornets relocated to the Crescent City. The franchise went through several name and identity changes before rebranding as the Pelicans in 2013, a nod to the brown pelican, the state bird of Louisiana.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, with a rich legacy that spans decades. With 17 NBA championships, a history of attracting superstars, and a loyal fan base, the Lakers have been at the forefront of the NBA’s elite teams. Despite their prominence, they didn’t have an intense rivalry with the Pelicans until the rise of the Pelicans’ star players, particularly in the last few seasons.
Key Players Impacting the Rivalry
1. LeBron James (Lakers)
LeBron James has been the centerpiece of the Lakers since joining the team in 2018, bringing them an NBA championship in 2020. His basketball IQ, versatility, and leadership skills have transformed the Lakers into perennial contenders, making any game involving the Lakers a must-watch event. The presence of LeBron James has only increased the intensity when the Lakers face the Pelicans, as he is one of the league’s best players and the face of the Lakers’ recent dominance.
In his matchups against the Pelicans, LeBron has shown just why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. His ability to take over games and impose his will on both ends of the floor has been a key reason the Lakers have been able to challenge the Pelicans in recent seasons. Additionally, the personal stakes are higher with LeBron facing his old adversaries, especially given his storied career against young up-and-coming teams.
2. Anthony Davis (Lakers)
Anthony Davis was originally drafted by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) in 2012 and became the face of the franchise for much of his tenure there. However, Davis requested a trade in 2019, and the Pelicans ultimately traded him to the Lakers. Since then, he has been a vital part of the Lakers’ success, including their championship run in 2020.
The story of Anthony Davis moving from New Orleans to Los Angeles has been a hot topic whenever these two teams meet, and the rivalry has only grown stronger because of it. Pelicans fans undoubtedly still hold a grudge toward their former star, while Lakers fans have embraced him as a key piece to their championship hopes. When Davis faces off against the Pelicans, it always adds an extra layer of drama, making it a more intriguing matchup.
3. Zion Williamson (Pelicans)
Zion Williamson, the former number-one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has brought a new level of excitement to New Orleans basketball. His unique combination of size, strength, and agility has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in the history of the league. Zion has the ability to dominate inside, making him a mismatch for many opponents. While his career has been plagued by injuries, Zion has shown the ability to go toe-to-toe with the best, including the Lakers.
His battles against LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been some of the most exciting games to watch in recent years. As Zion continues to develop and get healthier, the Pelicans vs Lakers games will only become more significant in the NBA landscape.
4. Brandon Ingram (Pelicans)
Brandon Ingram is another former Laker who now plays for the Pelicans, adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Ingram was traded to New Orleans as part of the deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers, and since then, he has blossomed into a star. His smooth scoring ability, especially his jumper, and his ability to create plays make him a formidable player for the Pelicans.
Whenever Ingram faces off against his former team, he’s looking to prove that the Lakers made a mistake in letting him go. His rivalry with the Lakers is personal, and it only adds to the overall tension between the two teams.
Recent Matchups and Drama
The past few seasons have seen some dramatic games between the Pelicans and the Lakers, particularly in the regular season. With both teams featuring some of the NBA’s brightest stars, their matchups have been filled with high-flying dunks, deep three-pointers, and crucial moments down the stretch.
In the 2020-2021 season, for example, the Lakers and Pelicans played some very close games, with the Pelicans often making a statement against the defending champions. In some of these games, the Pelicans proved to be a legitimate threat, pushing the Lakers to the limit and even pulling off some wins. The close nature of these games suggests that, while the Lakers are still a top-tier team, the Pelicans are growing into a force to be reckoned with.
The 2020 Playoffs
One of the defining moments for the rivalry between these two teams came when the Lakers faced the Pelicans in the 2020 season, when the Lakers were poised to make a deep playoff run. Although the teams did not meet in the playoffs, their head-to-head matchups that season foreshadowed the Pelicans’ potential to upset the established order.
What Makes the Rivalry Special?
The Pelicans vs Lakers rivalry is unique because it has all the elements that make for compelling basketball: star power, high stakes, and the stories of redemption and revenge. LeBron James and Anthony Davis represent the Lakers’ championship aspirations, while Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram embody the youthful energy and potential of the Pelicans.
What makes this rivalry so captivating is the sense of unpredictability. While the Lakers may be the more established team with more history, the Pelicans are an emerging powerhouse, and on any given night, they have the tools to pull off an upset. As the Pelicans continue to develop their young stars, they are poised to challenge the Lakers for dominance in the Western Conference.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Pelicans and Lakers are likely to continue to be major players in the Western Conference for years to come. The growth of Zion Williamson, the maturity of Brandon Ingram, and the continued excellence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis make every encounter between these two teams important. With the stakes high and the players hungry to prove themselves, each game will add a new chapter to this budding rivalry.
As both teams continue to evolve, the Pelicans vs Lakers matchup will remain a must-watch for NBA fans, filled with the drama, intensity, and high-level basketball that defines great rivalries in the sport. Will the Lakers continue to dominate with their championship pedigree, or will the Pelicans finally rise up and take the crown from the purple and gold? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Pelicans vs Lakers rivalry is far from over.