The trio of Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball made their return to face the Lakers in Los Angeles for the first time since being dealt to the Pelicans this spring. While New Orleans lost the contest, poetically due to a huge night from Anthony Davis, the former Baby Lakers held their own on the night.
The night was also made more memorable for the new Pelicans by a tribute video played by the Lakers between the first and second quarter. After the contest, Pelican guard Jrue Holiday talked about how the former Lakers handled the return to Los Angeles and the decision by the Lakers to honor the players with the video.
“I think they did a great job, honestly. It’s cool that they gave them a little bit of recognition. I feel like when you start off with an organization from 19, 20 years old, it means a lot to be there and the imprint that you have there and the imprint the organization had on the player. Just to come back here and perform, they did a great job.”
Statistically, the trio played well on the night. Ball led the team in scoring with 23 points, Ingram was right behind with 22 points and Hart finished with a team-best plus-minus of +15 off the bench.
It was certainly an emotional night on some level for the three for many of the reasons mentioned by Holiday. While some may criticize the Lakers’ decision to play a tribute video, it resonates with the players. In that regard, it was a great move for the Lakers.
