West Notes: Pelicans, Larry Nance Jr., Lakers, Warriors

Pelicans

Zion Williamson is excited to be back in the fold and he’s looking good early. Per coach Willie Green, Williamson “dominated” in the Pelicans’ first scrimmage.

Now, the former No. 1 overall pick will pair alongside the likes of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. to give the Pelicans the look of a legitimate playoff team.

“My first three years, it was always a different cast of guys,” Williamson said, via Christian Clark of NOLA.com. “To see some vet guys stay around and build something special here, it means a lot. Last season after the final game, I just wanted to be part of something special. Seeing CJ, Larry, some of the other guys stick around, I’m excited for the process.”

• In case you missed it, the Pelicans and Nance reached agreement on a two-year, $21.6 million contract extension, agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Nance, 29, was coming off an injury and played just nine games with the Pelicans last season. In 46 games with the Trail Blazers and Pelicans overall last season, he averaged 7.0 points and 5.4 boards

Lakers

After a several offseason changes, the Lakers are trying to build chemistry quickly, Anthony Davis said.

“I think our team got put together a little later than most teams,” Davis told reporters, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “New coach. New system. So we’re kind of behind the eight ball, and we’re trying to speed that process up by doing it the right way. Not by skipping steps. And we’ve been doing that. We’ve been having competitive practices, getting up and down. We’re locking in on our stations on offense and defense, and it’s been good.”

• Davis, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are looking to prove themselves after appearing in just 21 games together last season. “We have a three-man package, actually a play call, that they’re going thrive in and it involves all three of them,” coach Darvin Ham said. “I look forward to that being at a very, very high level. And there’s different nuances in it that they can play around with. … I trust all three of those guys.”

Warriors

• The Warriors have completed their two-game preseason run in Japan and are still determining what to do with their final roster spots. As we relayed here, shooting guard Ty Jerome may be a consideration.