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Every time the Lakers vs Pelicans matchup rolls around, you get a blend of seasoned stars, rising talents, and unpredictable twists. Recently, these two teams met in a Western Conference game that highlighted both the Lakers’ pursuit of playoff positioning and the Pelicans’ ongoing rebuild. Fans tuned in for Zion Williamson, LeBron James, and Luka Dončić — and they weren’t disappointed.
Let’s break down what happened, how both teams stack up, where fans can catch Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans, how this affects team outlooks, and much more.
The Latest Lakers vs Pelicans Game: High Stakes and Big Performances
In the most recent matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the New Orleans Pelicans 111–103 in a game that came down to execution late and star power when it mattered most. Reuters
The Pelicans — despite showing real fight — couldn’t hold off a late Lakers charge.
At one point, New Orleans led by nine, but the Lakers flipped the script in the fourth quarter with a decisive 32–17 closing surge that put the game away. Reuters
This game showcased exactly why head-to-head matchups between these teams grab attention: veterans delivering in crunch time, young stars fighting to define themselves, and a storyline that keeps shifting every time they square off.
Star Power on Display: LeBron James and Luka Dončić Take Over
This time around, LeBron James and Luka Dončić were front and center.
Both scored 30 points, combining for half of the Lakers’ offense. Dončić also dished out 10 assists, while LeBron flirted with a triple-double by adding 8 rebounds and 8 assists of his own. Reuters
That’s not just good. It’s leadership. When the game got tight down the stretch, those two took over.
Deandre Ayton contributed a solid double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds), reinforcing the Lakers’ interior presence and balance. Reuters
When you look at the Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats, these kinds of performances highlight why Los Angeles is a serious contender in the West.
Pelicans Recap: Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson Fight Hard
On the Pelicans’ side, Trey Murphy III exploded for a career-high 42 points, making life difficult for the Lakers’ defense all night. Reuters
Zion Williamson‘s night wasn’t headline-dominating, but he still chipped in 15 points and constantly pressured the Lakers with his physicality and explosive paint scoring. Reuters
Rookie Derik Queen also impressed with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists — an all-around contribution that hints at future potential. Reuters
If the Pelicans are rebuilding around Zion and rising role players like Murphy and Queen, performances like this — even in a loss — can serve as bright spots amid a tougher season.
What the Win Means for the Lakers Standings
The Lakers’ win continued their upward momentum.
With the recent victory, they’ve won several in a row and sit comfortably in the playoff picture in the Western Conference. Their record — including this crucial win over New Orleans — reflects a team capable of deep postseason impact. ESPN.com+1
Meanwhile, the Pelicans remain near the bottom of the standings as they navigate injuries and roster tightening. Their 2025–26 season has been challenging to this point, making development and matchup experience more valuable than wins at this stage. Wikipedia
Head-to-Head History: Lakers vs Pelicans Through the Years
These two franchises have had their share of memorable games:
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In a March 2025 meeting, the Lakers won 136–115, paced by LeBron’s impressive scoring and Luka’s playmaking. ESPN
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Earlier in the franchise matchups, both teams have traded wins, but the Lakers generally hold an edge.
That history matters. When it comes to confidence, veteran leadership like LeBron and Dončić often carries weight against younger Pelicans squads still finding cohesion.
Where to Watch Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans
If you’re planning to follow a future Lakers vs Pelicans game — here’s the quick breakdown of viewing paths:
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NBA League Pass: Most reliable for out-of-market streaming.
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Local Broadcasts: Lakers games often air on regional sports networks (e.g., Spectrum SportsNet).
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National TV: ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV rotate marquee matchups.
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Game Time Updates: Live score and stats apps (ESPN, NBA app) give real-time access.
Always check local listings and blackout restrictions near tip-off. sportsjone
What This Means for Zion Williamson and the Pelicans
Zion Williamson remains the Pelicans’ centerpiece. When he’s on the court — healthy and engaged — he commands attention from defenses and can lead offensive spurts. But this year, New Orleans has struggled to string together consistent success around him, with injuries and depth issues limiting progress. SI
At this point, Pelicans fans are watching young players like Derik Queen and Trey Murphy III for signs of growth that could anchor future success.
Williamson’s explosive athleticism is still one of the NBA’s best — and every Pelicans vs Lakers clash is another chance for him to shine on a big stage.
Beyond This Game: What the Larger NBA Picture Looks Like
The Lakers aren’t just winning this one game — they’re building a narrative around championship contention. With Dončić and LeBron in tandem, they’ve become a nightmare matchup for teams that lack defensive discipline.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are in transition. Their long-term goal is stability, improvement, and eventually a roster that can consistently compete. While this season hasn’t been kind, flashes of promise are there if they stick with the process.
Key Takeaways
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The Lakers won the most recent Lakers vs Pelicans matchup 111–103 with a strong late run. Reuters
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Both LeBron James and Luka Dončić scored 30 points in a signature team effort. Reuters
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Trey Murphy III had a career night for the Pelicans, while Zion Williamson led his team’s effort. Reuters
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The Lakers sit in a solid playoff position, while the Pelicans continue rebuilding. Basketball Reference
Fans can watch future Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans games through NBA League Pass and national broadcasts. sportsjone
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the latest Lakers vs Pelicans game?
The Lakers defeated the Pelicans 111–103, paced by 30-point performances from both LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Reuters
2. Where can I watch Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
You can watch through NBA League Pass, regional Lakers broadcasts like Spectrum SportsNet, and national TV games on ESPN or TNT. sportsjone
3. How has Zion Williamson performed in Lakers vs Pelicans matchups?
Zion has had notable scoring nights, including strong contributions in recent games, though team results haven’t always followed. Reuters
4. What are the Lakers’ standings after this win?
The Lakers sit near the upper tier of the Western Conference standings with a solid record and sustained momentum. Basketball Reference
5. Who led the Pelicans in scoring in the latest matchup?
Trey Murphy III scored a career-high 42 points for the Pelicans, giving them a big offensive night despite the loss. Reuters
6. Has Lakers vs Pelicans been competitive historically?
Yes — while the Lakers have more wins in the series, many games have been close and featured strong individual performances from both teams.
References
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Reuters: Luka Dončić, LeBron James score 30 each as Lakers top Pelicans — Jan 7, 2026. Reuters
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ESPN Game Recap: Lakers 111-103 Pelicans — Jan 6, 2026.
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Lakers vs Pelicans preview & stats (where to watch).
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New Orleans Pelicans 2025–26 team overview.
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Latest standings & Lakers position.
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