Lakers Lose 109-102 to the Pelicans

Kobe Bryant had his moments, but Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans down the Lakers 109-102 on Wednesday night.

Leading up to Wednesday's contest between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans, the pregame talk revolved around 21-year-old electric athlete Anthony Davis.

It took Kobe Bryant all of one quarter to remind everyone why he still deserves top billing. En route to 14 points in the opening period, Bryant hit three straight three-pointers. Down by seven points early, Bryant put on a cape and rescued the Lakers. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led by two points despite shooting under 35 percent from the field.

Davis played his part, too. By halftime, the third-year super stud had 13 points and six rebounds.

In the third quarter, the Lakers' tired legs began to show. In a flash, the Pelicans got out to running and stretched the lead to double digits, as playing on the second night of a back-to-back began to show. Throughout the night, the Lakers failed to defend their goal and gave the home side too many easy looks inside. When the final buzzer rang, the Pelicans had 26 more points in the paint than the Lakers.

With the Lakers losing steam, Bryant tried to play hero again in the second half. This time, however, he was unable to conjure the level of magic. Bryant and the Lakers trailed by 13 points after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, the Pelicans ran away with the contest. The lead would grow to 20 points, and even a couple highlight plays from Bryant had no impact on the outcome. With Ronnie Price ejected due to a hard foul above the neck, Bryant came back early and logged 36 minutes before being pulled late in the fourth quarter. The final score of 109-102 sounded closer than the second half actually was.

Bryant finished with 33 points, five assists and four rebounds, and he should remain top of the NBA in the scoring category. Davis finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks, and he should retain his place at the top of the NBA in both rebounding and blocks.

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The Lakers fell to 1-7 on the season and 0-4 on the road. Next, the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs come to Staples Center on Friday night.

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