Zion Williamson, Pelicans hand banged-up Lakers their 3rd straight loss

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    The Lakers’ Montrezl Harrell shoots over the Pelicans’ Steven Adams during the first quarter of Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. Harrell had a team-high 18 points in a 128-111 loss. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes goes to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) and guard Alex Caruso (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroeder (17) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroeder (17) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guards Eric Bledsoe, left, and Josh Hart during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    New Orleans Pelicans guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (6) looks to pass the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #6 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers wrestle for a loose ball during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    New Orleans Pelicans guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso scramble for the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #6 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers wrestle for a loose ball during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram passes the ball past Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Kira Lewis Jr. #13 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) goes to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) and guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, right, goes to the basket as Lakers forward Markieff Morris defends during the first half of Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris vies for a loose ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, behind, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris (88) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, in street clothes, watches as guard Wesley Matthews (9) walks to the bench during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis talks with guard Wesley Matthews (9) on the bench during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis watches from the bench with guard Wesley Matthews (9) during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    The Lakers’ Montrezl Harrell shoots over the Pelicans’ Steven Adams during the first quarter of Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. Harrell had a team-high 18 points in a 128-111 loss. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel walks along the bench during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Devontae Cacok #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball over Steven Adams #12 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Eric Bledsoe #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans scrambles for a loose ball with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Eric Bledsoe #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicansat Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Markieff Morris #88 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Steven Adams #12 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    New Orleans Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy calls out from the bench during a timeout in the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Alfonzo McKinnie #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Eric Bledsoe #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball past Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Pelicans forward Zion Williamson drives to the basket as Lakers guard Dennis Schroder and forward Devontae Cacok, left, try to defend during the second half of Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    Pelicans forward Zion Williamson drives to the basket as Lakers guard Dennis Schroder and forward Devontae Cacok, left, try to defend during the second half of Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart (3) goes to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder (17) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Kira Lewis Jr. #13 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Markieff Morris in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the start of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 23: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the start of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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The NBA has never seen a player like Zion Williamson, a 6-foot-7, 285-pound tank who can accelerate like a Ferrari. Becoming an All-Star in just his second season shows that teams are still learning how, if possible, to slow him down.

The Lakers, without three of their top frontcourt players never stood a chance.

Williamson (27 points) and the New Orleans Pelicans ran through the Lakers’ undermanned defense as if it were made of tissue, racking up 62 points in the paint in a 128-111 victory on Tuesday night in New Orleans. Former Laker Brandon Ingram added an eye-popping 36 points on 14-of-21 shooting, dealing his old team its third straight loss since LeBron James injured his ankle.

While Coach Frank Vogel strongly insisted that the Lakers (28-16) were staying positive during the latest setbacks, fourth-year forward Kyle Kuzma offered that the team is still working on adjusting – both its expectations and its style.

“One, we’re undersized right now. We have bodies out,” he said. “And on top of that, like I said, just switching that mental, switching our offensive profile a little bit would really help too. This team was constructed for playing off LeBron and Anthony Davis. For us, we have to switch the script.”

The Lakers are shooting for a more up-tempo, more 3-point dominant style, and on that front Vogel said there was growth. But unmistakably, their defensive issues were what got the better of them on Tuesday night.

Williamson and fellow big man Steven Adams teamed up to go 15 for 19 from the field against the Lakers, who started two-way contract player Devontae Cacok at center. For much of the evening, the Lakers were forced into mismatches against the big men and either couldn’t contest their shots or helplessly fouled. The Pelicans compounded that advantage by going 24 for 26 at the free-throw line.

The Pelicans outscored the Lakers by 25 points during Williamson’s 29 minutes, and they had essentially assured victory by scoring 43 points in the third quarter.

“We didn’t play well enough defensively, period,” Vogel allowed. “Particularly the third quarter. So we’re gonna miss guys like that, like Bron and A.D. on both sides of the ball.”

Six Lakers scored in double figures, but no one more than Montrezl Harrell who had 18 points. The game started getting away from them in the second quarter, when they were outscored 27-17, and eventually New Orleans led by as much as 30.

It was the first time the Lakers have lost to the Pelicans since they traded for All-Star big man Anthony Davis, who was forced to watch from the sideline as he continues to recover from his right calf strain. James wasn’t present at the Smoothie King Center, back in Los Angeles for a doctor’s appointment to deal with the high ankle sprain that will sideline him indefinitely.

Personal history seemed to be on the mind of Ingram, who lit up the Lakers with a special fervor scoring 17 points in the third quarter alone. His turnaround jumpers and 4-for-6 performance from 3-point range represented the potential the Lakers saw in him when he played for them, before he made his first All-Star team. Another former Laker having a promising season, Lonzo Ball, wasn’t able to suit up.

It was the rare night when 3-point shooting went in L.A.’s favor, they were 18 for 37 from deep. But they actually shot worse inside the arc, and their 32 points in the paint tied their season-low.

The NBA trade deadline looming over this week hasn’t historically helped the Lakers perform, but it did not seem to be front and center for Vogel or anyone else. The Lakers don’t have much wiggle room under their hard salary cap, and are widely considered a longshot to execute a meaningful trade before Thursday at noon PT.

Vogel said he expected a lot of sound with little fury – “Most trade deadlines are a lot of talks that result in nothing” – and said the team is focused on getting healthy rather than bracing for roster changes.

Veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has clung to the Lakers through several nerve-wracking deadlines, said he didn’t sense any worries in the locker room about players who might be shipped in or out. They’ve got their hands full enough trying to turn around the losing streak.

“We’ve got to play together, play for each other, make the extra pass and not just going out there being selfish,” he said. “It’s got to be a team effort each game. We don’t have two superstars in Bron and A.D., everything else now has to be a team effort.”

“Getting us organized offensively is probably my top priority right now.” Frank Vogel with a few takeaways from the Lakers losing slump. pic.twitter.com/HM6Msqji3e

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 24, 2021

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