Running Diary: Lakers at Pelicans (4/8/16)

Below is a running diary of the Lakers’ matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, with comments drawn from Mike Trudell’s @LakersReporter Twitter account, to ensure you’re covered from start to finish.

First Quarter

Kobe Bryant opened his final game in New Orleans by hitting a 3 from the wing. The tons of Kobe/Lakers fans in the building let out a roar.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

LAL take a 20-14 lead on a pull-up J from Jordan Clarkson off an inbounds play. Clarkson has 7, Kobe 11, and Hibbert the other 2.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

The Pelicans tribute to Kobe featured Anthony Davis (his Team USA ‘mate), Kendrick Perkins and Ryan Anderson. Good personal touch.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Kobe played the entire 1st Q, and took 10 shots (7 3-pointers), making 4 FG’s to reach 14 points. LAL hold a 27-24 edge.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Second Quarter

The offense ran through Kobe in that 1st Q. Russell has all 7 of his points (w/2 FT’s coming) in the 2nd Q. + an assist w/Kobe resting.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Alexis Ajinca has 16 points and 10 boards to help the Pelicans take a 52-46 lead late in the 2nd Q, their biggest lead thus far.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

New Orleans went on a 12-0 run to close the 1st half, with both Kobe and Russell sitting, and take a 57-46 lead into halftime as a result.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Third Quarter

LAL conceded another 9-0 run, and trail 78-55 with 5:32 to play in the 3rd Q. Russell has 16, Kobe 14, Clarkson 12, but NOP shooting 55%.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

D’Angelo Russell is up to 24 points on 7 of 11 FG’s and 9 of 11 FT’s, the bright spot for the Lakers, who trail 87-67 in the 3rd.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Fourth Quarter

Jordan Clarkson hit B2B 3’s to reach 20 points, but LAL continue to allow Pelicans points, and trail 95-77 early in the 4th.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Byron Scott responds to super loud “We want Kobe!” chants by … putting Kobe back in. Crowd freaks out. 98-82 Pelicans with 7:20 to play.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

It’s a 30-point game for @Dloading, who has hit 9 of his 15 FG’s, and 3 of 5 3’s plus 9 of 11 FT’s. 2:49 left to play, LAL down 14.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Jordan Clarkson hit his 5th triple of the evening to reach 26 points … LAL’s issue tonight has been defense, with the Pelicans shooting 53%.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

Final: Pelicans 110, Lakers 102. Russell had a game-high 32 points, with Clarkson adding 26. Kobe 14 points. Ajinca had 28 + 15.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2016

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