The Los Angeles Lakers stayed perfect in the new year on Tuesday night, pulling away late to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 at Smoothie King Center. The victory lifted Los Angeles to 23-11 overall and a league-best 13-0 in games defined as clutch this season.
Who stood out
LeBron James and Luka Dončić once again led the charge. James ignited an 8-0 run to open the fourth quarter, highlighted by a transition windmill dunk and an alley-oop finish from Dončić. The 39-year-old forward closed with 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block on 10-for-19 shooting.
Dončić matched James with 30 points of his own. After a cold start from beyond the arc, the guard buried a falling-out-of-bounds three as the shot clock expired to seal the game. He finished 11-for-22 from the field, adding 10 assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block.
Supporting cast
Center Deandre Ayton delivered a second straight strong outing, posting 18 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks while shooting 9-for-16. Marcus Smart contributed 13 points, six rebounds and four assists, hitting 3-of-7 from long range on a night when the rest of the roster struggled from deep.
Pelicans’ efforts
Trey Murphy III kept New Orleans in contention with a game-high 42 points on 14-of-26 shooting, plus five rebounds and three assists. Zion Williamson, facing Los Angeles for the first time in three meetings this season, finished with 15 points.
What’s next
The Lakers wrap up their brief trip on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs before returning to Crypto.com Arena to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
Source: LakersNation.com
