Lakers @ Pelicans Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • April 15, 2024
Team Stats
(Lakers @ Pelicans)
Final Score: 124-108
Rebounds: 39-39
Assists: 32-26
Blocks: 3-1
Steals: 12-8
Turnovers: 14-19
Stat Leaders
(Lakers @ Pelicans)
Scoring Leaders: Anthony Davis, 30; CJ McCollum, 25
Rebound Leaders: Anthony Davis/LeBron James, 11; Zion Williamson, 8
Assist Leaders: LeBron James, 17; Zion Williamson, 8
My Player of the Game: CJ McCollum
Takeaways
- Well, after this humiliating loss, the Pelicans have to play the Lakers in the first round of the Play-In tournament.
- The Pelicans finished the season with 49 wins, and you don't do that with a bad team or coach so remember that.
- New Orleans did not have an answer for Anthony Davis or LeBron James.
- Jonas Valanciunas played seven minutes.
- Brandon Ingram had not played since March 21, but he started this game.
- Here's what's ahead for the Pelicans:
The Pelicans play at HOME on Tuesday at 6:30 pm against the Lakers.
If they win, they are in the Playoffs at the #7 seed and will play their next game on April 20.
If they lose, they will play at HOME on Friday against either the Golden State Warriors or the Sacramento Kings.
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LB Zach Dresch 6-3/222 Cheshire, CT Dresch is a versatile two-way player who brings a blue-collar work ethic and athletic upside to the linebacker position. His decision to reclassify and transfer to Cheshire Academy for a post-grad year allowed him to face elevated competition in the NEPSAC, boosting his recruiting profile and leading to his commitment to Tulane in the American Athletic Conference. Dresch emerged as a mid-level three-star prospect after a strong senior campaign. His recruitment was relatively under-the-radar, but his film and production drew interest from Group of Five programs. Measurables Dresch possesses a college-ready frame with room to add mass without losing agility. He has long arms and good lower-body power, allowing him to explode through gaps and pursue plays sideline-to-sideline. His size and speed make him suitable for inside linebacker duties, with the versatility to align at outside linebacker or contribute on special teams. Scouting Report: Instincts and Play Diagnosis: Exceptional ability to read plays quickly, anticipate gaps, and flow to the ball. Tackling and Run Defense: A sure tackler who wraps up securely and drives through contact. He fights off blocks effectively, using strong hands and low pad level to disengage. Athleticism and Speed: Combines size with quick feet and burst, allowing him to make downfield plays and pursue from the edge to the boundary. Good change-of-direction ability for his frame. Versatility: Experience at tight end adds value; he has soft hands and can block in-line. On defense, he’s consistent in making plays and generating turnovers. Motor and Toughness: High-effort player who plays through the whistle. His 115 tackles in 2025 demonstrate his nose for the ball and durability. Intangibles: High-character athlete with leadership qualities, as evidenced by his transfer to challenge himself against better competition. Follow me on X for even more Green Wave content.

Edge
Reshad Sterling - Houston
Reshad Sterling fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 250-pound high-motor EDGE/DL with four-star pedigree, explosive point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power burst, heavy hands, dip-and-rip pass-rush nuance, and two-way versatility who immediately adds depth, competition (potential starter), and physicality to a revamped defensive line/EDGE room in their scheme.
He’s a redshirt freshman transfer from Houston (Big 12) who committed in January 2026, via the portal (entered early January). A four-star recruit (No. 11 player in Louisiana, top-50 nationally at EDGE) out of Lutcher HS (Lutcher, LA), he has four years of eligibility remaining (#51).
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s defense relies on active, violent EDGE rushers who can win with first-step quickness, heavy hands, redirection in pursuit, and a mix of power and bend off the edge, whether as a hand-down DE in 4-man fronts or hybrid roles. Sterling is a natural scheme fit as a classic four-man end or bandit.
• Pass-rush and disruptiveness: Highly active with point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power ability, heavy hands, inside counter, and dip-and-rip arc-running athleticism. Flashes sudden redirect and effort plays that combine with athleticism and technical awareness.
• Physicality and versatility: Two-way HS experience (DL + offensive tackle) shows toughness and football IQ; ideal for sustaining blocks in the run game while creating pressures. Coach Hall has raved about his intangibles and quick integration.
• Traits alignment: Self-described “beast” on the field with Micah Parsons-like traits (his sports hero); brings P4-caliber tools that were underutilized in limited Houston snaps. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X

