Shootaround update: Lakers at Pelicans
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Pelicans.com, @Jim_Eichenhofer
Updates from Friday morning’s shootaround at the New Orleans Arena:
• Ryan Anderson (broken toe) has been upgraded to day-to-day status on the Pelicans’ injury report, raising the possibility of him returning soon. New Orleans (2-3) has missed Anderson during its 2-3 start, particularly the team’s second unit. When he returns, Anderson and Anthony Morrow should provide the group with excellent spacing and much more room for Tyreke Evans to operate.
• Due to having played last night at Houston, the Lakers (3-3) did not hold shootaround this morning. In Los Angeles’ first back-to-back of the season Oct. 29-30, the Lakers rested Steve Nash in the second game at Golden State, meaning it’s possible Nash won’t play tonight against the Pelicans.
• New Orleans shooting guard Eric Gordon on the Lakers: “I think they’re different (from last season) because they don’t have to rely on Dwight (Howard) to where you have to throw it down low. This time they’re more fluid on offense, as far as attacking the rim and kicking out to shooting threes.” Gordon said the Pelicans will focus on limiting the Lakers’ three-point attack.
• Gordon on former New Orleans player Xavier Henry, who is the Lakers’ fourth-leading scorer: “He’s playing freely, confidently. He’s attacking the rim, knocking down jump shots. You can tell he’s more confident. When he was here, I think he was a little injured. This is just a different situation.”
• NBA Commissioner David Stern will hold a pregame press conference in the arena at 6 p.m.
• Off the court, check out this video of Pelicans players showing off their singing "talents."