LeBron James and Luka Doncic lead a dominant 32-17 fourth-quarter rally, guiding the LA Lakers to an eight-straight win over the faltering New Orleans Pelicans.
The LA Lakers remains a puzzle the New Orleans Pelicans could not solve.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic posted 30 points each, leading a dominant fourth-quarter surge that secured a 111-103 triumph and extended the Lakers’ winning streak over New Orleans to eight straight games on Wednesday, January 7 (PH time).
James added eight rebounds and eight assists in another all-around effort, as LA outscored the Pelicans 32-17 in the final frame.
Doncic also contributed 10 assists, while Deandre Ayton posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
The victory pushed the Lakers to 23-11, overtaking the Houston Rockets (22-11) for fourth place in the Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (30-7), San Antonio Spurs (25-11), and Denver Nuggets (24-12).
For New Orleans, Troy Murphy erupted for a career-high 42 points, including six three-pointers, but the Pelicans still fell to their eighth consecutive loss, dropping to 8-30.
Looking ahead, the Lakers aim for a fourth straight win against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs (25-11), while the Pelicans hope to finally snap their skid against the Atlanta Hawks (17-21).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.