Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 10:57 IST
Lakers extended their winning streak to three games after James and Doncic each scored 30 points to keep the pressure on Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic. (X)
The Los Angeles Lakers went on a late scoring spree to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Tuesday as LeBron James and Luka Doncic combined for 60 points.
The Lakers extended their winning streak to three games after James and Doncic each scored 30 points in the Big Easy, keeping the pressure on Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
The Pelicans, who sit at the bottom of the West with an 8-30 record, had threatened an upset after taking an 86-79 lead at the end of the third quarter.
However, James hit a pair of three-pointers in a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter before Doncic added eight more points to secure the victory for the Lakers.
James, 41, concluded the game with 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block in a commanding all-round performance. Doncic contributed 10 assists and two rebounds to his 30-point haul.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans’ scoring with a remarkable 42-point performance in a losing effort. Zion Williamson (15 points) and Derik Queen (10) were the only other Pelicans players to score in double figures.
The Lakers remain in third place in the standings at 23-11, behind leaders Oklahoma City (30-7) and second-placed San Antonio, who fell to 25-11 after a narrow 106-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama made a successful return from his New Year’s Eve knee injury with 30 points off the bench but was left frustrated as Memphis rallied in the final minute to snatch the win.
San Antonio started strongly with Julian Champagnie scoring 15 points, including four three-pointers, in a dominant first quarter, leading the Spurs to a 31-21 advantage.
Memphis edged the second quarter 25-23 and then scored 36 points in the third quarter to take a narrow 82-81 lead into the final frame.
Memphis continued to pull away in the fourth, with Cam Spencer scoring six unanswered points to start the period, giving the Grizzlies their biggest lead of the night at 88-81.
San Antonio fought back to take a 105-101 lead, but Spencer closed out the game with five unanswered points, securing a one-point win.
“Tonight we just fought to the end,” Spencer said. “They have some clutch players, but we didn’t let it affect our body language and how we finished the game on the defensive end. They hit some tough shots, but we responded well mentally.”
In other games on Tuesday, Anthony Edwards’ 26 points helped the Minnesota Timberwolves cruise to a 122-94 win over the Miami Heat.
Darius Garland’s 29-point performance was the cornerstone of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 120-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
Location :
United States of America (USA)
First Published:
January 07, 2026, 10:57 IST
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