Lakers Dominate Pelicans in 108-124 Victory

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers secured a decisive 124-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, April 4, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. This win marked the Lakers’ fourth consecutive victory and reinforced their position in the Western Conference playoff race.

LeBron James led the Lakers with a stellar performance, showcasing his leadership and skill on both ends of the court. “It feels great to contribute to the team’s success, especially at this crucial point in the season,” James said post-game. “We need to stay focused and keep this momentum going as we approach the playoffs.”

With this victory, the Lakers improved to a 46-30 record, placing them firmly in the playoff picture as they strive for a championship run. The Pelicans, on the other hand, continue to struggle at 21-55, with their playoff hopes extinguished earlier in the season due to injuries and inconsistent play.

Throughout the game, the Lakers established control early, with James and new addition Luka Dončić combining for effective offense. Dončić, despite previous performance struggles, added crucial points that bolstered the Lakers’ lead. Coach Darvin Ham praised his team’s effort. “The guys executed the game plan well today. We needed this win, and they delivered,” he remarked.

The Pelicans came into the game undermanned, missing key players including Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, both ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injuries. Despite valiant efforts from their bench, including standout performances from Jose Alvarado and Kelly Olynyk, New Orleans was unable to close the gap. Head coach Willie Green acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We’re focusing on developing our younger talent for next season, and I’m proud of how hard the guys are playing despite the circumstances.”

Attendance was reported at 18,997, with fans witnessing a display of offensive firepower predominantly from the Lakers. As the game progressed, the Pelicans made intermittent runs to close the scoring gap, but every time they threatened, the Lakers responded decisively.

In a reflection of the game’s changing dynamics, the score fluctuated in the second half before the Lakers secured their victory in the final quarter. The Pelicans attempted to maintain offensive pressure, highlighted by a spark from Olynyk who contributed significantly in the paint.

Looking forward, the Lakers aim to carry this winning streak into the playoffs, with their next game scheduled against another Western Conference rival. Conversely, the Pelicans will look to evaluate their roster and performance as they prepare for next season.

The Lakers and Pelicans have met a total of 77 times in the league, with the Lakers holding a 49-28 advantage prior to this matchup. This recurring rivalry in the Western Conference continues to draw attention as both teams look to secure their respective goals.