Lakers Ride Star Power Late to Outlast Pelicans in New Orleans
What played out in New Orleans last night was a reminder of how experience and composure can still decide tight NBA games. The Los Angeles Lakers walked into a hostile building and walked out with a 111–103 win over the Pelicans, leaning heavily on two familiar stars when it mattered most. LeBron James and Luka Dončić each poured in 30 points, and together they steadied a game that threatened to slip away midway through the second half.
For much of the night, this wasn’t a comfortable Lakers performance. The Pelicans, despite struggling through a rough stretch of the season, brought energy and confidence, especially behind a huge scoring night from Trey Murphy. New Orleans even pushed ahead late in the third quarter, forcing the Lakers to dig deep. That’s when the tone changed. The start of the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Los Angeles, with a decisive run that flipped the scoreboard and, just as importantly, the momentum.
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James took control with his shooting and physical presence, while Dončić delivered timely baskets and playmaking that quieted the crowd. Those tough, late-clock shots were backbreakers for a Pelicans team that had been fighting to snap a long losing streak. The Lakers didn’t dominate wire to wire, but they were sharper when execution mattered most, and that difference showed in the closing minutes.
This matchup is trending now for a few reasons. First, anytime LeBron James delivers a 30-point performance in a tight road win, it draws attention. Add Luka Dončić doing the same on the same night, and it becomes a headline moment. Second, the Lakers’ recent form is starting to look more consistent. This win marked another step in a stretch where they’ve been finding ways to close games, something that plagued them earlier. On the other side, the Pelicans’ slide has become impossible to ignore, with losses piling up despite individual standout performances.
The impact of this game could ripple forward for both teams. For the Lakers, it reinforces the idea that their star-led core can still dictate outcomes against competitive opponents, especially late. That matters as the season grinds on and playoff positioning tightens. For the Pelicans, it deepens the urgency around fixing late-game execution and overall consistency, because strong individual nights aren’t translating into wins.
As both teams turn quickly to their next games, this one stands as a snapshot of where they are right now: the Lakers leaning on experience and star power to stay afloat, and the Pelicans searching for answers as close games keep slipping away.
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