Since the disappointing loss to Charlotte following the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers have been on an impressive run, securing seven victories in their last 13 games. Their latest triumph came on Tuesday night, when they dominated the New Orleans Pelicans 136-115, extending their longest winning streak of the season.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic Lead the Charge
The Lakers showed no signs of complacency against New Orleans, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James delivering outstanding performances. Doncic put on an impressive display, hitting six three-pointers—including three consecutive shots in the first quarter—and tallying 30 points along with a season-high 15 assists. His passing was just as vital as his scoring, setting up easy lobs for Jaxson Hayes and finding open shooters when necessary.
James, who was just one point shy of reaching 50,000 career points across regular season and playoffs, made history early in the game with a first-quarter three-pointer. He finished with 34 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. His leadership and ability to execute in key moments were pivotal in maintaining the Lakers’ momentum throughout the game.
Team Effort Despite Turnovers
Even with the Lakers turning the ball over 15 times, resulting in 24 points for the Pelicans, they never lost control of the game. The team’s defense was stifling, and although Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 37 points, the Lakers’ overall performance remained dominant. The team managed to adjust to various defensive schemes on Williamson without letting his individual brilliance deter their execution.
As LeBron James noted, “The ball needs to be in Luka’s hands” for the team to operate at its best, but James is more than comfortable playing off the ball, knowing how to capitalize on the attention Doncic draws from defenses. “It’s just about talking about things, what things I like, what things they like, and what’s going to make it easier to win,” Doncic added.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers’ streak continues as they wrap up their six-game homestand against the New York Knicks on Thursday. With Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura still sidelined, the team’s depth has been critical, with contributions from players like Dalton Knecht (13 points), Jared Vanderbilt (12 points), and Shake Milton (12 points). As Doncic stated, “At the end of the day, it’s about winning games,” and with the Lakers playing at this level, it’s clear they are a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
