Lakers rout New Orleans Pelicans, 116-95

Lakers 116 - Pelicans 95 (end of regulation)

Coach Mike D’Antoni’s continually evolving rotation bore fruit on Tuesday night as the Lakers bombarded the New Orleans Pelicans 116-95.

With Steve Nash out at least two weeks, a starting lineup of Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks, Wesley Johnson, Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill helped lead the Lakers to a 21-point victory over the Pelicans.

Hill led all scorers with a career-high 21 points along with 11 rebounds.

Pelicans forward-center Anthony Davis scored 15, battling through foul trouble for much of the game.

The Lakers shot 55.7% from the field and 55% from three-point range. They dominated the boards with 53 rebounds to New Orleans’ 31.

Former Clippers guard Eric Gordon led the Pelicans with 17 points. Center Greg Stiemsma left in the second quarter with a sprained knee, needing help to get to the Pelican’s locker room.

The Lakers had five players in double figures including Nick Young (17), Xavier Henry (15), Meeks (15) and Gasol (14).

The Lakers improve to 4-5. They’ll travel quickly to visit the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday for the second night of a back-to-back.

The Pelicans dip to 3-5. They’ll visit the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Lakers 86 - Pelicans 62 (end of third quarter)

The Laker dominated the Pelicans in the third quarter, extending their lead to 24 after three quarters.

Jordan Hill scored a career-high 19 points in 21 minutes to lead all scorers.

Anthony Davis struggled with foul trouble, scoring just six points in 17 minutes. The Pelicans were led by Eric Gordon with 17 points.

The Lakers shot 55.9% from the field and 45.5% from three. The Pelicans shot 40%, missing all five three-point attempts.

Xavier Henry scored the highlight of the night (so far) with a tremendous dunk on fellow Kansas alum Jeff Withey.

Lakers 55 - Pelicans 39 (halftime)

The Lakers extended their lead over the Pelicans to 16 after two quarters, shooting 55.3% from the field.

Jordan Hill led all scorers with 11 points and six rebounds.

Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon and Jason Smith each had six for the Pelicans, who shot just 40% from the field.

The Lakers also had a 24-13 rebounding advantage.

Pelicans center Greg Stiemsma was injured with 2:47 left in the period. He appeared to hurt his leg (perhaps knee), and needed to be helped off the court to the locker room.

Lakers 22 - Pelicans 19 (end of first quarter)

Coach Mike D’Antoni shuffled his rotation, starting Jordan Hill and Wesley Johnson -- with Steve Blake and Jodie Meeks in the backcourt. The results were certainly better than Sunday night’s disaster that saw the Minnesota Timberwolves score 47 points in the first quarter.

Against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers shot 47.6% from the field, led by eight points from Nick Young off the bench.

The Pelicans shot 40.9% from the field. Anthony Davis scored six points.

Pregame

The Lakers (3-5) host the New Orleans Pelicans (3-4) on Tuesday night at Staples Center.

Anthony Davis dominated the Lakers on Friday in New Orleans. If the Lakers can’t find a way to slow down the young, athletic forward-center -- it could be a long night.

Steve Nash will sit out with a back injury. Steve Blake and Jodie Meeks are expected to start in the backcourt for the Lakers.

Jordan Hill is also a probable starter with Chris Kaman moving back to the bench.

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Pelicans.

ALSO:

Lakers dip to 12th place in the Western Conference

If Steve Nash can’t return from injury, medical retirement is option

Mitch Kupchak doesn’t expect Kobe Bryant to return in next two weeks

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.