Are The Lakers Legitimate Title Contenders?

The Los Angeles Lakers looked great Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, beating them handily 120-102. All the pieces they traded for at the end of the trade deadline have fit great so far with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and they look ready to go on a late season run to position themselves for a decent shot as title contenders in the playoffs.

D’Angelo Russell, in his first home game back as a Laker (the team who originally drafted him), was welcomed back with cheers on his way to scoring 21 points while dishing out 7 assists.

Russell also showed the ability to relieve LeBron of some in game pressure and responsibility. He did a phenomenal job handling the ball, running screen and rolls, and even setting James up for some easy finishes at the rim. He also hit big shots in key moments of the game that either helped push or extend the lead further and also showed an ability to push the ball well in transition.

Those are some of the things the Lakers were not getting from former Laker Russell Westbrook , whom they traded for Russell, that they hoped they would get when they traded for Westbrook just 2 years ago; hoping that Westbrook would add those qualities in helping LeBron and Anthony Davis win another championship.

Anthony Davis scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Lebron, back for the first time in 3 games after having a sore ankle, scored 21 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists in a relaxed and fun loving spirit to put the Lakers in great shape heading into the All Star Break.

If you think the Lakers can make the playoffs and be title contenders, let us know in the comments section below.