The world’s greatest player headlined the night as expected. But it was a seldom-used reserve who stole the show.
LeBron James put his passing talents on display with his third triple-double of the year, while Ivica Zubac put up 16 points and 11 rebounds — both season-highs — to guide the Lakers past New Orleans, 112-104.
“Zu got the game ball tonight for sure,” James said. “His impact both offensively and defensively was huge for us tonight.”
Zubac — who played in only 11 of the Lakers’ first 31 games — got his first start (replacing an ill JaVale McGee) in two years in order to combat New Orleans’ monster frontcourt of Anthony Davis and Julius Randle.