West Notes: Lakers, Anthony Davis, Pelicans, Rockets, Paul Silas

Lakers

Most people don’t view a game against the lottery-bound Pistons to be critical, but forward/center Anthony Davis and the Lakers sure did on Sunday night.

“This was a must-win for us, because we wanted to have a successful road trip — at least .500,” Davis told reporters after the Lakers win. “The last game is always the toughest to win.”

• Star forward LeBron James showed just how desperately he wanted the Lakers to snap a three-game losing streak, coach Darvin Ham added. “LeBron really came in with a focus to finish the right way,” Ham said. “He was leading the charge and would not allow this game to get away from us.”
• Next up for the Lakers: A date with the Celtics. Ham played for the Pistons, winning a title in 2014.“I hated both those teams,” Ham said. “We hated the Lakers, the Celtics and the Bulls.”
• In case you missed it, the Lakers recently held trade talks with the Knicks, in which they reportedly sought a third team to facilitate a deal. We have the full post here.

Pelicans

Coach Willie Green said he never ceases to be amazed with Zion Williamson after the Pelicans’ OT win over the Suns on Sunday.

“Zion is — he’s a matchup problem,” Green told reporters. “He just attacks. And when he attacks like he does, he’s just tough to cover. … It’s incredible what he can do.”

• As of Sunday night, the Pelicans (18-8) sat in first place in the Western Conference. Imagine a Pelicans-Cavaliers Finals. It would pit former Cavs GM and current Pelicans executive David Griffin against Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman.
• We don’t think it will happen this year, either. But it’s fun to think about.

Rockets

Coach Stephen Silas was away from the team following the death of legendary father Paul Silas on Sunday. And the Rockets gave an inspirational performance in beating the mighty Bucks.

Top assistant John Lucas took over the reigns in Stephen Silas’ absence.

“That’s for Coach,” Lucas said. “That one’s for him.”

• Paul Silas was 79. “He combined the knowledge developed over nearly 40 years as an NBA player and coach with an innate understanding of how to mix discipline with his never-ending positivity,” said NBA legend Michael Jordan, now owner of the Hornets.
• Shooting guard Jalen Green erupted for 30 points in the win over the Bucks. “I work with him every day,” Lucas said. “I know how good he is. The problem is being patient and for him to be patient, but he’s growing.”