Sports
Lakers Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Pelicans

LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2025 — The New Orleans Pelicans (17-44) will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers (38-21) tonight at Crypto.com Arena, with both teams showcasing starkly different trajectories this season. The Lakers, who have climbed to second in the Western Conference, are riding high on a six-game winning streak, buoyed by the recent addition of star player Luka Dončić.
In contrast, the Pelicans have struggled throughout the season, registering a disappointing 6-25 record on the road. Their latest performances have seen them average a point differential of -8, framing a stark picture ahead of their matchup against a formidable Lakers team that is 9-1 in its last ten home games.
The Lakers have demonstrated dominance lately, winning eight of their last ten overall matches. This game is pivotal for the Pelicans, who will need to shore up their game significantly if they hope to challenge the resurgent Lakers.
“Tonight’s matchup is critical,” said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. “We cannot afford to underestimate any opponent, especially one that is looking to make a statement.”
For the Pelicans, key players will need to step up as they face a Lakers team that has shown both offensive firepower and defensive solidity. Despite challenges with injuries affecting their roster, the Pelicans remain hopeful for a turnaround.
The current betting odds suggest the Pelicans with an implied team point total of 114.88, while the Lakers are projected at 119.05. Stakeholders in the betting community will be watching closely for potential insights into the point spreads and moneylines as the game approaches.
“It’ll be interesting to see how we adjust against a team like the Lakers, who play at such a high level,” noted Pelicans guard C.J. McCollum. “We have to stick to our strategy and trust the process.”
Fans tuning in can catch the game tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET on SportsNet LA and Gulf Coast Sports, with live updates and analysis available via various sports tracking platforms.
As both teams gear up for the contest, the question remains whether the Pelicans can pull off an upset against one of the league’s top squads or if the Lakers will continue their dominant streak at home.