LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a commanding 124-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the regular season finale. James had a triple-double with 28 points, 17 assists, and 11 rebounds, while Anthony Davis had a double-double (30 points, 11 rebounds). With the victory, the Lakers won the Western Conference’s eighth seed, setting up a play-in game rematch against the seventh-seeded Pelicans on Tuesday night in New Orleans.
Austin Reaves produced a brilliant effort to hip in with 20 points for the Lakers, while D’Angelo Russell added 19 and Rui Hachimura had 11. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans in scoring with 25 points, followed by Herbert Jones (18 points). Brandon Ingram, who returned from a 12-game absence due to a hyperextended knee, scored 13 points, along with Larry Nance Jr.
Despite New Orleans’ attempts, the Lakers took command early and never trailed in the game. They built a dominating lead of up to 23 points in the first half and dominated in the paint, outscoring the Pelicans 68-42 overall. The Lakers won the season series 3-1, marking the first time the visiting team emerged triumphant.
In the third quarter, Reaves and Russell ignited the Lakers’ offense with timely three-pointers, extending the margin to 85-57. While the Pelicans tried a comeback, the Lakers maintained their domination, eventually clinching the victory and the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoff picture. Davis demonstrated his scoring skills early in the game, scoring eight of his 14 first-quarter points as the Lakers took a 17-7 lead. Despite Ingram’s late surge, the Pelicans trailed 30-24 at the end of the quarter.
The Lakers increased their lead in the second quarter, with contributions from Taurean Prince and James pushing it to 15 points. Although New Orleans managed to close the gap, the Lakers’ balanced scoring and solid defense kept them comfortably ahead at halftime, 70-53. Despite a late effort by the Pelicans, the Lakers’ early dominance proved pivotal, claiming the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and setting up an entertaining play-in-game rematch with the Pelicans.
Davis of Los Angeles was forced to depart the season finale versus New Orleans due to an unexpected back injury. While setting a screen, Davis felt pain in his lower back, which sent him straight to the locker room for the rest of the game. This season, Davis showcased his abilities by appearing in 76 games, a career-high. Davis’ participation in the upcoming match is uncertain due to his recent injury.
