Introduction
The matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans wasn’t just another NBA game. It was fast, intense, and full of superstar action. Whether you support the purple and gold or the rising Pelicans, you could feel the energy from the opening tip. But beyond the final score, there’s a lot more to uncover. The real story is in the lakers vs new orleans pelicans match player stats. From LeBron’s smooth moves to Zion’s wild drives, this game had moments that deserve attention. And the best way to understand what happened is to look at the numbers—the player stats. Who scored the most? Who played the strongest defense? Who showed up big in the fourth quarter? This article dives deep into the Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats so you get all the details you need. Let’s walk through this showdown, quarter by quarter, performance by performance.
Game Recap: A Western Conference Showdown
The Lakers and Pelicans are both fighting for playoff spots in a competitive Western Conference. That made this game feel like something more than regular-season basketball. The fans knew it, and the players did too. The first half was tight. Both teams traded buckets, and neither pulled away. Then momentum swung. Late in the third quarter, one team found its rhythm and made a scoring run that changed the game’s tone. By the fourth, the stars took over. It came down to smart plays, key rebounds, and late-game execution. That’s where stats come in handy. The Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats show which players handled the pressure and stepped up big.
LeBron James: Still the King
When LeBron James is on the floor, he’s always one of the most important players to watch. In this game, he showed why—even in his 21st season—he’s still elite. LeBron led the Lakers with over 30 points. He also added seven rebounds and several assists. His shooting was efficient, and he made big plays in the paint and beyond the arc. He didn’t just score. He directed the Lakers’ offense, helping young players find better spots and stepping up when things got tight. The Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats highlight his all-around contribution, proving he’s not just a scorer—he’s a leader, floor general, and closer.
Anthony Davis: Big Man on Both Ends
Anthony Davis had a tough task in this game. Going up against Zion Williamson isn’t easy. But he held his own and made a big difference. Davis pulled down double-digit rebounds and scored over 20 points. He blocked multiple shots and altered even more. On offense, he gave the Lakers second-chance points and put pressure on the Pelicans’ interior defense. More importantly, his presence helped shape the game’s tempo. The match player stats show how his defense held Zion back during key stretches. Davis proved again that he can be a two-way star—able to anchor the defense while scoring with efficiency.
Zion Williamson: Power, Speed, and Highlights
There are very few players in the league like Zion Williamson. He’s fast, strong, and explosive. This game was another testament to his unique playing style. Zion scored over 25 points, most of them close to the basket. He bulldozed through defenders, used spin moves, and showed creative finishing ability. His first step was simply too quick for most Lakers defenders. However, he did have trouble at the free-throw line and on defense when guarding stretch players like Davis. Still, according to the Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats, Zion was the Pelicans’ top scorer and energy source the entire game.
Brandon Ingram: Smooth Scoring All Night
Brandon Ingram faced his former team and played with a chip on his shoulder. His scoring ability gave the Pelicans another option when Zion was double-teamed. Ingram dropped close to 20 points with a mix of mid-range jumpers, post fadeaways, and clean drives. He also grabbed boards and assisted teammates. What stood out was his calm under pressure. He didn’t rush shots, and kept the floor spread. The match player stats show just how vital he was in keeping the Pelicans in the game when the Lakers attempted runs.
Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell: The Supporting Cast Steps Up
Stars can’t win games alone. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell gave them the energy and scoring support they needed. Reaves hit key three-pointers and played aggressive on-ball defense. He also made a smart pass in transition that led to an easy bucket. His hustle made him a fan favorite again in this one. D’Angelo Russell added over 15 points and had several assists. He spread the floor and worked well with LeBron in pick-and-roll sets. According to the Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats, both guards filled their roles perfectly, helping the Kobe & Shaq era team stay on track.
CJ McCollum: Quiet but Effective
Not every impact needs to be loud. CJ McCollum brought veteran composure to the Pelicans’ lineup. While he didn’t have a career night, he made timely baskets and provided an outlet when Zion or Ingram faced pressure. He finished with over 14 points and five assists. His shooting from deep helped stretch the Lakers’ defense just enough. In the match player stats, his contribution might seem small—but his leadership and patience helped balance New Orleans’ offense.
Bench Players: Who Made the Difference?
Bench production often swings tight matchups. This game was no exception. For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura scored off the bench and brought physical defense. He posted up smaller players and grabbed tough rebounds. The Pelicans got a lift from Trey Murphy III, who hit a pair of three-pointers and defended the perimeter well. Looking at the Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats, both benches had moments. But Hachimura’s scoring in the paint gave the Lakers more impact off the bench.
Rebounding and Second Chances
Rebound battles often decide possession—and games. The Lakers had the edge in total rebounds, thanks to Davis, LeBron, and Hachimura. They turned offensive rebounds into second-chance points, especially in the third quarter. New Orleans competed hard, with Jonas Valančiūnas grabbing his share of boards. But they gave up too many key rebounds, which hurt during late-game stretches. Having a rebounding edge, as seen in the player stats, was one reason the Lakers controlled the pace in the second half.
Defense: Blocking, Stealing, and Stopping
This game had hard-nosed defense. Davis blocked shots. LeBron stripped ball handlers. Dyson Daniels and Herb Jones pushed the Lakers’ guards off their spots. The Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats show five total team blocks for LA and several fast-break points after steals. The Pelicans played full-court man defense in short bursts, trying to disrupt LeBron’s rhythm. It worked for a while, but the Lakers adjusted. Ultimately, LA’s defense forced tough shots and protected the paint more effectively than New Orleans could.
Turnovers and Free Throws: Missteps and Missed Chances
Stats also showed where the game was lost—not just won. New Orleans turned the ball over more than the Lakers, including key giveaways in crunch time. They also missed several free throws, reducing their chances to pull closer on the scoreboard. On the other hand, the Lakers were better at protecting the ball and converted most of their shots at the foul line. The match player stats pinpoint those missed opportunities as quiet reasons why New Orleans couldn’t finish strong.
Coaching Adjustments: Who Made the Right Moves?
Coaches matter more than some people realize. Darvin Ham made adjustments that helped the Lakers pull away—like going small with LeBron at center late in the game, allowing more spacing. Willie Green tried hard to balance speed with size, shuffling defensive matchups, but couldn’t stop the Lakers’ transition game in the end. The Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats reflect how coaching helped LA find an edge when things got tight.
FAQs
Q1: Who was the leading scorer in the game?
LeBron James led all scorers with over 30 points, continuing his dominant run this season.
Q2: How did Anthony Davis perform?
He racked up a double-double with points, rebounds, and key blocks. Davis held Zion to tough possessions.
Q3: Did Zion Williamson lead the Pelicans in scoring?
Yes, Zion scored over 25 points and was the primary scoring force for New Orleans.
Q4: Which team had more rebounds?
The Lakers had the edge, thanks to Davis, LeBron, and Hachimura crashing the boards.
Q5: Who hit the most three-pointers?
Rookie standout Trey Murphy III hit key threes for New Orleans, but the Lakers had more makes overall.
Q6: Were there a lot of turnovers?
The Pelicans had more total turnovers, which hurt them in the second half.
Conclusion
This game showed why both teams are fun to watch and full of potential. The Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats reveal a physical game with smart moves, fast breaks, and superstar efforts. LeBron and Davis showed they can still lead LA when it matters. Zion and Ingram fought hard, but turnovers and weak interior defense held the Pelicans back. Every stat—from points to rebounds to missed free throws—creates the bigger picture. In the end, the numbers tell us that the Lakers played smarter and more consistent in the hustle areas—and that’s what helped them pull ahead. Want more game breakdowns like this? Follow us for weekly NBA updates, match stats analysis, and full player performance reports.
