Luka and LeBron go 30-30 as Lakers defeat the Pelicans
The Los Angeles Lakers showcased their star-powered blueprint for success on Tuesday night, led by the potent tandem of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The duo combined for 60 points and 18 assists, steering the Lakers to a 111-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with a dominant fourth-quarter performance.
James, 41, delivered a near-triple-double with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Doncic, the team's 26-year-old cornerstone, matched him with 30 points and 10 assists. Their synergy was on full display, particularly in a decisive 18-4 run to open the final period that erased a third-quarter deficit.
"I love what's happening right now with Luka and LeBron and that partnership," said Lakers coach JJ Redick. "There's some real synergy happening right now and it's fun to watch."
The partnership's hierarchy was made explicitly clear by James post-game. He dismissed any notion of Doncic needing to adapt his game, firmly stating the dynamic revolves around the younger star. "Luka is our franchise for this ball club," James emphasized. "He don't need to bend his game. It's up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out."
This philosophy was illustrated in a pivotal moment late in the game. With the shot clock winding down, Doncic recovered a loose ball and hit a contested, floating three-pointer to extend the lead to nine with under two minutes left. The improbable shot sparked an emotional celebration between the two stars on the court.
"I told him, he set a great screen," Doncic joked afterward. "If you don't set that screen, I probably was not that open."
The victory was sealed by a smothering defensive effort in the fourth quarter, where the Lakers held the Pelicans to 17 points on 33.3% shooting. The effort included three drawn charges, one by Doncic and a career-first by rookie Dalton Knecht.
Attention now turns to a back-to-back game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. James' status is uncertain, as the veteran manages his workload. "Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD," James stated. "I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now."
The Lakers also provided an update on guard Gabe Vincent, who missed his ninth consecutive game with a back strain. He is on the trip, and the team hopes he can be available against the Spurs, pending how he feels on Wednesday.
