The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Tuesday night. LeBron James and Luca Doncic each scored 30 points for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles.
Game Summary
The Lakers recorded their fourth victory in five games. The Pelicans experienced their eighth consecutive loss.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with a career-high 41 points. Zion Williamson scored 15 points, and rookie Derik Queen recorded 10 points and 13 rebounds for New Orleans. The Pelicans held a lead of up to nine points late in the third quarter.
The Lakers initiated the fourth quarter with an 18-4 scoring run. This sequence included two three-pointers from James, one from Dalton Knecht, and two baskets in the paint from Ayton. This scoring surge put Los Angeles ahead 97-90, and the Pelicans did not reduce the deficit to less than four points thereafter.
Neither team maintained a lead exceeding seven points until Karlo Matkovic's free throws gave New Orleans an 83-74 advantage late in the third quarter. James then scored three free throws and a breakaway dunk, reducing the Lakers' deficit to four. Murphy, who scored 20 points in the third quarter, made a driving reverse scoop while being fouled, bringing the score to 86-79 entering the final period.
Player Performances and Team Statistics
Herb Jones, returning from a seven-game absence due to a right ankle injury, made one of nine shot attempts. The Pelicans missed five of 18 free throws, with Williamson missing four.
The Lakers concluded the game with a field goal percentage of 50.6% (43 of 85). The Pelicans shot 44% (40 of 91) from the field and missed 30 of their 40 three-point attempts.
Upcoming Games
Both teams are scheduled to play on Wednesday night. The Lakers will visit the San Antonio Spurs, and the Pelicans will visit the Atlanta Hawks.