The Los Angeles Lakers (39-21) continued their impressive run with a 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (17-45) on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to seven games. LeBron James and Luka Doncic combined for 64 points to fuel the blowout win.
James, who scored 34 points, became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 combined points in regular-season and playoff games. The milestone came when he sank a 3-pointer early in the first quarter, prompting a standing ovation from Lakers fans. James waved in acknowledgment of the achievement.
Doncic added 30 points, 15 assists, and 8 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Lakers’ second straight win despite the absence of injured starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. With the victory, Los Angeles now holds the second spot in the Western Conference, having won 17 of their last 20 games.
Jaxson Hayes also made a significant contribution, posting a season-high 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers’ offense ran efficiently, shooting 53.3% from the field, including a 36.5% success rate from beyond the arc. Their defense, ranked among the league’s best, kept the Pelicans in check, limiting New Orleans to just 26.5% from three-point range.
Zion Williamson led the charge for the Pelicans, scoring 37 points on 17-of-23 shooting, while Trey Murphy III added 19 points. Despite their efforts, New Orleans struggled to keep up with the Lakers, particularly in the second half when Los Angeles outscored them 100-91.
The Lakers’ dominance was evident early, with Doncic scoring 17 of his points in the first quarter, including three consecutive 3-pointers. James also provided steady play, adding six assists and eight rebounds to his point total, showcasing his all-around abilities.
In addition to the standout performances from James and Doncic, the Lakers saw contributions from their bench. Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Shake Milton each scored in double digits, helping to seal the win in the final quarters.
While the Pelicans fought hard, their 49.5% field-goal shooting was not enough to overcome the Lakers’ efficiency. The Pelicans’ recent road trip showed promise, with their 2-2 record, but this loss highlighted the challenges they face as they sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
As for the Lakers, they are firing on all cylinders. Their 11-2 record since acquiring Doncic, combined with the continued brilliance of James, makes them a formidable contender in the West. With key players like Reaves and Hachimura on the mend, Los Angeles looks poised to maintain their momentum as the season progresses.
