Lakers hold off Pelicans for second consecutive victory

The Lakers won their second conseuctive game, defeating the Pelicans, 99-96, in New Orleans on Thursday night.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 27 points and 12 rebounds, making three three-point shots in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers hold off a desperate New Orleans squad.

Anthony Davis scored 39 points, making 16 of 25 shots, while collecting 11 rebounds to lead the Pelicans, but the Lakers survived the All-Star forward’s big night.

Jordan Clarkson made his first eight shots to help the Lakers open up a double-digit lead. Clarkson missed his next six attempts, finishing with 18 points.

D’Angelo Russell added 13 points, while Julius Randle and Nick Young both scored 11 for the Lakers, who shot 48.1% from the field, 35% (7 of 20) from behind the three-point arc and 70% (14 of 20) from the free-throw line.

The Pelicans shot 45.9%, 20% (4 of 20) and 53.8% (14 of 26).

Jrue Holiday scored 19, Ryan Anderson added 17 and rookie Bryce Dejean-Jones, playing on a 10-day contract, contributed 17.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant reacts after sinking a 3-point shot late in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

  (Gerald Herbert / AP)

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks between Lakers’ Bryce Dejean-Jones (31), Lou Williams (23), Julius Randle (30) and Kobe Bryant (24) during the second half on Thursday.

  (Gerald Herbert / AP)

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Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, center, walks out for player introductions prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

  (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

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New Orleans Pelicans’ Bryce Dejean-Jones (31) drives to the basket during the first half against the Lakers on Thursday.

  (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) slam dunks ahead of Lakers center Roy Hibbert (17) in the first half on Thursday.

  (Gerald Herbert / AP)

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Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, left, shakes hands with a fan during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

  (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

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New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis takes a shot during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

  (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

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Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) goes to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11), forward Dante Cunningham (44) and center Omer Asik (3) in the first half on Thursday.

  (Gerald Herbert / AP)

The Pelicans turned the ball over only seven times, while forcing the Lakers into 16 miscues.

Starting guard Norris Cole scored only two points on one-of-10 shooting for the Pelicans.

The Lakers (11-41) play again on Saturday, visiting the San Antonio Spurs (41-8). The Pelicans (18-31) travel to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers (35-13) on Saturday.

Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.