On March 3, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their third consecutive victory, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 110-101. The game was a thrilling comeback, with the Lakers overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit and 21 turnovers. Luka Doncic led the charge with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while LeBron James contributed 21 points and crucial assists. Deandre Ayton added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Austin Reaves, who missed his first eight shots, finished with 15 points, including a game-changing 3-pointer with 5:04 left. The Pelicans' star, Zion Williamson, scored 24 points in his return from an ankle injury, but the Lakers' late surge proved too strong.
The Lakers' comeback began with a 14-point scoring streak, led by Doncic and Reaves. The Pelicans, however, had a strong start to the game, jumping to an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter. But the Lakers' resilience paid off, as they held the Pelicans scoreless for 4:18 and took the lead back. Marcus Smart and Doncic sealed the deal with clutch 3-pointers in the final two minutes. Smart's impressive performance included 10 points, seven assists, four steals, and three blocked shots.
LeBron James' performance was also notable, as he moved within two baskets of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career record for field goals. Doncic, unfortunately, received his 14th technical foul of the season in the second quarter and was whistled for a second despite clapping at a referee. He faces a suspension if he accumulates a 16th technical foul. The Pelicans' next game is at Sacramento on Thursday, while the Lakers will play at Denver.
This game showcased the Lakers' ability to overcome adversity and the impact of key players like Doncic and James. The comeback story and the close game result will surely spark discussions and debates among basketball fans, especially with the potential implications for the playoff race.
