L.A. clips the Pelicans’ wings, gets back on track

The new-look Los Angeles Lakers finally took the court together in their entirety on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, as LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing three games with a left foot ailment.

They employed a starting lineup that included all three players they acquired in the Russell Westbrook trade along with James and Anthony Davis. Los Angeles got out to a fast start, moving out to a 17-4 lead, but that advantage got trimmed to four at halftime.

The Lakers reasserted themselves in the third quarter, reestablishing a double-digit lead, and they would never give it up, as they grounded the Pelicans with a 120-102 victory.

It was an imperfect win, as L.A. shot just 27.0 percent from 3-point range and 61.1 percent from the free throw line. Still, it got itself a very important win as it heads into the long All-Star break.

Anthony Davis: A

After three or four subpar games, Davis got back to basics on Wednesday. He feasted early on multiple easy baskets that were set up by his teammates, and he made the most of his opportunities, as he shot 13-of-17 from the field, giving him 28 points in 30 minutes.

Davis also got 10 rebounds, dished off five assists and added two blocked shots and one steal. He did a better job of attacking the basket off the dribble compared to the last few games, which is when he is most effective, as opposed to when he settles for perimeter jumpers.

Jarred Vanderbilt: B

This was a quiet game for Vanderbilt, who had six points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 28 minutes.

But he appears to be the type of player whose impact goes beyond his numbers. For instance, his mere presence dissuaded Pelicans players from shooting the ball or attacking the basket. In addition, his effort in boxing out makes it easier for his teammates to come up with rebounds.

In his first two games with the Lakers, Vanderbilt came off the bench, but tonight he was in the starting lineup. That will be something to watch moving…