The Lakers defeat the Pelicans 111-103 thanks to 30 points apiece from James and Doncic
NEW ORLEANS: The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the struggling New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Tuesday night after LeBron James scored 30 points and Luca Doncic finished his 30-point, 10-assist performance with two off-balance, bail-out threes as the shot clock ran down.With 18 points and 11 rebounds, Deandre Ayton helped the Lakers defeat the Pelicans for the eighth time in a row while winning for the fourth time in their last five games.
New Orleans led by as many as nine points late in the third quarter thanks to a career-high 41 points from Trey Murphy, 15 points from Zion Williamson, and 10 points and 13 rebounds from freshman Derik Queen.
With two deep 3s from James, a 3 from Dalton Knecht, and two baskets in the paint from Ayton, the Lakers went on an 18-4 run to start the fourth quarter. Los Angeles led 97-90 after the outburst, and the Pelicans were unable to get within four points after that.
Before Karlo Matkovic's free throws gave New Orleans an 83-74 lead late in the third quarter, neither team had a lead of more than seven points.
James' three free throws and breakaway dunk quickly trimmed the Lakers' deficit to four before Murphy, who had 20 points in the third quarter, hit a driving reverse scoop as he was fouled to make it 86-79 heading to the final period.
Herb Jones, returning from a right ankle injury that has sidelined him seven games, struggled with his shooting, missing eight of nine shots. The Pelicans missed five of their 18 free throws, with Williamson missing four.
The Lakers also finished shooting 50.6% (43 of 85). The Pelicans shot 44% (40 of 91) and missed 30 of the 40 3-pointers they attempted.
Up next
Both clubs play on Wednesday night, when the Lakers visit the San Antonio Spurs and the Pelicans visit the Atlanta Hawks.
