Lakers vs. Pelicans Final Score: Kobe Bryant seals 99-96 victory in New Orleans

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their road trip with a 99-96 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, hanging on in what was a sloppy game down the stretch. Kobe Bryant once again sealed the victory with a late-game bucket, draining a three-pointer with under a minute left in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice.

The Lakers came out hot, taking a 13-2 lead to start the game thanks to a quick six points from Kobe and horrendous start from the Pelicans. Things balanced out, though, with the bench unit checking in for both teams and the lead swinging back to New Orleans by the end of the first quarter. The purple and gold would take the lead again in the middle of the second quarter and hold on to it through the end of the game, but just barely.

Kobe ended the night with 27 points on 10-of-24 shooting and 12 rebounds to round out a double-double, cooling off after seemingly extending his vintage performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves. D'Angelo Russell had a solid game, using his size advantage over Norris Cole to score around the basket early. Russell ended the night with 13 points, three assists and three rebounds.

Jordan Clarkson had a very good game, scoring 18 points while shooting a very efficient 8-of-14 from the field. He pushed the pace in transition and danced around the Pelicans' defense to get in the paint. Best of the night, recognition goes to Anthony Davis, though. He scored a game-high 39 points, making 16 of his 25 attempts while dismantling the league's worst defense.

It wasn't pretty for either team as missed dunks and wasted possessions reared their heads late, but the Lakers walked away with their eleventh victory of the season. The winning streak is in serious jeopardy with the San Antonio Spurs up next Saturday, but with so few wins on the year, enjoy it while you can.