Lakers Extend Winning Streak with Dominant Win Over Pelicans
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their incredible streak of games in the 2024-25 season of the NBA with a dominant 115-98 win against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. The win was their seventh consecutive victory, solidifying their position as one of the Western Conference's top contenders.
Luka Doncic's Triple-Double Masterclass
Luka Doncic has been the game-changer for the Lakers since arriving via a February 2, 2025, blockbuster trade. In his ninth game as a purple and gold baller, Doncic shone brightly, recording a triple-double of 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. His ability to pass the rock and contribute overall has added new levels of competitiveness to the Lakers, showcasing why he became such a prized addition to the team.
LeBron James Makes History
LeBron James achieved an amazing milestone in this game, becoming the first NBA player with over 50,000 combined points in regular season and playoff games. He achieved this by scoring a three-pointer in the first quarter, having 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists at the end of the game. LeBron's consistency and dominance at the age of 40 continue to cement his position as one of the best NBA players of all time.
Other Lakers Key Contributors
The Lakers also received other key contributions beyond Doncic and James. Dalton Knecht also played well, going 7-for-10 from the field and scoring 19 points. Anthony Edwards was also a key contributor in stifling Pelicans' offense production.
Pelicans Show Fighting Spirit
Even with the defeat, there were decent individual performances by the Pelicans. Leading the way was Zion Williamson with 26 points and 9 rebounds. His above-the-rim play style is still prevalent at New Orleans. Kelly Olynyk was also great, scoring 18 points and 7 rebounds, while CJ McCollum chipped in with 16 points.
New Orleans came into the game on a roll, having won four of their previous five games, including a dramatic 128-121 win over the Utah Jazz. But failing to contain the Lakers' offense ultimately did them in.
Lakers' Strategic Trades Paying Off
The Lakers' dominant 11-2 stretch since February 2 is heavily indebted to their mid-season acquisition. They gave up Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round selection in 2029 to bring in Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The transaction bolstered their squad, bringing an extra dose of versatility and depth, which they display in their overpowering wins since the acquisition.
Coaching and Leadership
Head Coach Darvin Ham can be commended for his ability to smoothly work new faces into the Lakers' system. His game plan has enabled the team to get the most out of their strengths by combining veteran guidance with emerging superstar talent. On the Pelicans' side, Head Coach Willie Green continues building a young, competitive core while keeping New Orleans a viable team even in an awful season.
Game Stats and Betting Insights
The Lakers were 8.5-point favorites to play in the game, and they covered by quite a large difference. The overall point total during the game went below the over/under set at 229 since the Lakers displayed great defense. The victory also helped Los Angeles secure their second position within the Western Conference, behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What's Next?
The Lakers will look to extend their winning streak as they prepare to face the Phoenix Suns in a critical Western Conference matchup. The Pelicans, however, will spend time to recharge and focus on their next game against the Golden State Warriors, looking to bounce back from this loss.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers' dominating win against the Pelicans is a message about their emerging strength as a legitimate championship team. In the presence of Luka Doncic's raw talent, the history-making games by LeBron James, and the overall unity of the team, Los Angeles seems poised to go on a long postseason ride. And so the season unfolds, with the world waiting in suspense to see if the Lakers can sustain this level of play and vie for the NBA title.
