Imagine a basketball game where two superstars each drop 30 points, and yet, the real drama unfolds in the final minutes. That’s exactly what happened when the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 in a nail-biter on Tuesday night. LeBron James and Luka Dončić weren’t just scoring—they were putting on a clinic, with Dončić adding 10 assists and capping his performance with a pair of jaw-dropping, off-balance 3-pointers as the shot clock ticked down. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Lakers celebrated their fourth win in five games, the Pelicans slumped to their eighth straight loss, leaving fans wondering if this team can ever turn things around.
Deandre Ayton was a force inside, contributing 18 points and 11 rebounds, proving once again why he’s a cornerstone of the Lakers’ lineup. Meanwhile, the Pelicans had their own standout in Trey Murphy, who exploded for a career-high 41 points, including a staggering 20 in the third quarter alone. Zion Williamson added 15 points, and rookie Derik Queen chipped in with a double-double (10 points, 13 rebounds), but it wasn’t enough to stop the Lakers’ fourth-quarter surge.
Speaking of that surge, the Lakers opened the final period with an 18-4 run that included two deep 3s from James, a clutch 3 from Dalton Knecht, and a pair of paint finishes by Ayton. This put Los Angeles up 97-90, and the Pelicans could never close the gap beyond four points. And this is the part most people miss: the Pelicans actually led by as many as nine points late in the third quarter, thanks to Karlo Matkovic’s free throws. But James’ three free throws and a breakaway dunk quickly shifted the momentum, setting the stage for the Lakers’ comeback.
Here’s a bold take: the Pelicans’ struggles weren’t just about missed shots—they missed five of their 18 free throws, including four by Williamson. That’s a stat that’s hard to ignore. Meanwhile, the Lakers shot a solid 50.6% from the field, while the Pelicans managed only 44% and went a dismal 10-for-40 from beyond the arc.
Herb Jones, returning from a seven-game absence due to a right ankle injury, looked rusty, missing eight of his nine shots. It raises the question: can the Pelicans bounce back with key players still finding their rhythm?
Both teams are back in action on Wednesday night, with the Lakers visiting the San Antonio Spurs and the Pelicans heading to Atlanta to face the Hawks. Will the Lakers keep their momentum, or will the Pelicans finally snap their losing streak? Let us know what you think in the comments—is this Pelicans team just in a slump, or are there deeper issues at play?
