Lakers vs Pelicans Summer League preview and Game Thread: L.A. eyes first win in Vegas

The Lakers look to bounce back against the Pelicans after a tough start to their Las Vegas Summer League stint.

After dropping their first game in Las Vegas, the Lakers look to regain momentum when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. Both teams are coming off respective losses in their Las Vegas Summer League debuts this year.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans

When: 5:30 p.m. PT, July 10

Where: Thomas & Mack Center

Watch: ESPN2

Similar to what happened at the beginning of the California Classic, the Lakers failed to start this Summer League tournament on a strong note. Despite being in control for most of the game, the purple and gold couldn’t close and their mistakes ended up haunting them at the end.

Across four games they’ve played thus far, this summer's Lakers squad has a couple of issues that they’ve struggled with.

First, they give up way too many points in the paint. This was evident with how the Dallas Mavericks beat the Lakers 28-18 in that department on Thursday.

Second, their transition defense is horrible which is also where the Mavs cooked them with a 23-5 advantage.

If the Lakers want an extended summer in Vegas this year, they have to work on these apparent flaws or at least find a way to compensate for them. Aside from their defensive issues, the team needs more outside of Cole Swider in terms of scoring.

That’s what Dalton Knecht is for, but unfortunately, the incoming sophomore suffered a right calf cramp, which prevented him from playing further in the final period of the last game.

Even without Knecht, it would be nice to see more from Bronny James Jr., who had a commendable first half offensively and an impressive defensive performance.

If James wants to earn more rotation minutes next season, now is the time for him to showcase why he deserves it. As expected, the spotlight will continue to shine on him throughout the tournament.

Speaking of the spotlight, DJ Steward has absolutely made the most out of the opportunity handed to him. The former Duke University guard put together a complete game once again with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

The same goes with Darius Bazley, who continues to bring much-needed energy to the team. If these two continue to keep up the good work they’re showing in Vegas, there’s a good chance that they attain a contract soon, whether or not it’s with the Lakers.

The Pelicans team that the Lakers will face on Saturday is a pretty young and inexperienced squad. Look out for their draft picks from this year, specifically Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen and Micah Peavy.

New Orleans lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the tournament opener, so they should be motivated to win against the Lakers.

Let’s see which team comes out with the right approach and energy, as one of them will nab their first victory in Vegas on Saturday.

Notes and Updates

• Eric Dixon has officially been ruled out for Summer League with a right foot injury.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.