Lakers 116, Pelicans 95
Jordan Hill contributed a career-best 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his first start of the season as host Los Angeles cruised past New Orleans.
Nick Young scored 17 points and Pau Gasol had 14 points and eight rebounds after three consecutive substandard outings as the Lakers halted a two-game losing streak. Steve Blake added 10 assists for Los Angeles, which recorded its ninth consecutive home victory over the Pelicans.
Eric Gordon scored 17 points and Anthony Davis added 15 for the Pelicans, which defeated the Lakers by 11 points in New Orleans last Friday. Tyreke Evans added 11 points and six assists off the bench.
Hill was inserted into the starting lineup as coach Mike D’Antoni was seeking to shake things up after a 23-point home loss to Minnesota on Sunday. Hill had 11 points in the first half as the Lakers took a 55-39 lead into the break.
Los Angeles’ lead increased to 78-52 on Gasol’s basket with 4:16 remaining in the third quarter and the Pelicans never mounted a seriously challenge.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Lakers were 11-of-20 from 3-point range, while New Orleans was 3-for-10. … Pelicans PG Jrue Holiday was just 2-for-11 from the field, marking the fifth time he has shot less than 40 percent in the last seven games. … Los Angeles C Chris Kaman had nine rebounds off the bench to help the Lakers to a 53-31 edge on the boards.