The New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers match player stats from the 2025-26 NBA season tell the story of a tightly contested Western Conference battle that went down to the wire. On March 4, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena and came away with a hard-fought 110-101 victory.
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 27 points and a double-double, while Zion Williamson’s dominant interior performance of 24 points topped the Pelicans.
The Lakers came into this game having won four of their last five. The Pelicans arrived riding back-to-back road games after a loss to the LA Clippers two nights earlier.
Los Angeles led by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter and held off multiple Pelicans runs to secure the 110-101 win. The Lakers’ fourth-quarter dominance — outscoring New Orleans 34-23 in Q4 — proved the decisive factor.
| Quarter | Los Angeles Lakers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 31 | 33 |
| Q2 | 23 | 18 |
| Q3 | 22 | 27 |
| Q4 | 34 | 23 |
| Final | 110 | 101 |
New Orleans actually led after Q1 (33-31) and came back to lead after three quarters (78-76). But the Lakers’ fourth-quarter surge — capped by a 14-point unanswered run at a key stretch — put the game away for good.
| Player | POS | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | G | 27 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 10-22 | 3-10 | 4-5 | +1 |
| LeBron James | F | 21 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 8-12 | 1-5 | 4-8 | +3 |
| Austin Reaves | G | 15 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4-15 | 2-7 | 5-5 | -1 |
| Deandre Ayton | C | 13 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6-8 | 0-0 | 1-1 | -7 |
| Marcus Smart | F | 10 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3-9 | 2-6 | 2-2 | +13 |
| Luke Kennard | G | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3-5 | 2-3 | 1-1 | +16 |
| Jake LaRavia | F | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2-4 | 1-2 | 0-0 | +10 |
| Rui Hachimura | F | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-4 | 0-4 | 2-2 | -6 |
| TEAM | 110 | 54 | 29 | 7 | 12 | 39-83 | 11-37 | 21-26 |
| Player | POS | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | F | 24 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10-18 | 0-0 | 4-5 | -7 |
| Trey Murphy III | G | 21 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 7-15 | 3-7 | 4-5 | -4 |
| Dejounte Murray | G | 15 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 5-13 | 2-6 | 3-3 | -3 |
| Saddiq Bey | F | 18 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 7-18 | 2-9 | 2-2 | -9 |
| DeAndre Jordan | C | 6 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3-4 | 0-0 | 0-0 | -7 |
| Herbert Jones | C | 2 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1-7 | 0-4 | 0-0 | -3 |
| Jeremiah Fears | G | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2-6 | 1-3 | 0-0 | +1 |
| Bryce McGowens | G | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2-3 | 0-0 | 2-2 | -13 |
| Derik Queen | C | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0-3 | 0-0 | 2-2 | +2 |
| Yves Missi | C | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0-0 | -2 |
| TEAM | 101 | 49 | 29 | 12 | 3 | 38-90 | 8-29 | 17-19 |
| Category | Los Angeles Lakers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 110 | 101 |
| Field Goals | 39-83 (47.0%) | 38-90 (42.2%) |
| 3-Pointers | 11-37 (29.7%) | 8-29 (27.6%) |
| Free Throws | 21-26 (80.8%) | 17-19 (89.5%) |
| Total Rebounds | 54 | 49 |
| Off. Rebounds | 11 | 10 |
| Def. Rebounds | 37 | 31 |
| Assists | 29 | 29 |
| Steals | 7 | 12 |
| Blocks | 12 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 19 |
| Points in Paint | 50 | 60 |
| Fast Break Pts | 28 | 18 |
| Bench Points | 24 | 21 |
| Points Off TOs | 29 | 21 |
| Eff. FG% | 53.6% | 46.7% |
| True Shooting% | 58.2% | 51.3% |
| Off. Rating | 104.3 | 94.1 |
| Def. Rating | 94.1 | 104.3 |
The most striking contrast in the New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers match player stats is the blocks column. Los Angeles swatted 12 shots compared to New Orleans’ 3, completely altering the interior dynamic.
Despite the Pelicans dominating points in the paint (60 to 50), the Lakers’ superior field goal percentage, fast break production, and points off turnovers were the difference in the final score.
Luka Doncic was the Lakers’ most impactful player from the opening tip. He finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists — a classic Doncic all-around performance in a big Western Conference game.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 27 |
| Rebounds | 10 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Turnovers | 7 |
| FG | 10-22 (45.5%) |
| 3PT | 3-10 (30.0%) |
| FT | 4-5 (80.0%) |
| Points in Paint | 12 |
| True Shooting% | 55.8% |
| +/- | +1 |
Doncic recorded a double-double and nearly a triple-double, falling three assists short. His 7 turnovers were a concern — he committed the most of any player on either team — but his 10-for-22 shooting and consistent pressure on the Pelicans defense kept Los Angeles in control.
His three-point shooting was only 30.0% on the night, but his mid-range and drive game — 7-for-12 on two-pointers — were excellent. He drew 5 fouls and finished with a 55.8 true shooting percentage.
LeBron James was the Lakers’ second-leading scorer with 21 points. He shot an efficient 8-for-12 from the field including a perfect 7-for-7 on two-point attempts.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 21 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 7 |
| FG | 8-12 (66.7%) |
| 2PT | 7-7 (100.0%) |
| 3PT | 1-5 (20.0%) |
| FT | 4-8 (50.0%) |
| Fast Break Points | 12 |
| Points in Paint | 14 |
| True Shooting% | 67.7% |
LeBron scored 12 of his 21 points on the fast break, showing his transition game remains one of the most dangerous in basketball. He finished with a 67.7 true shooting percentage — the best of any Laker with significant minutes.
His 5 turnovers were the second-highest on the team after Doncic, but his 7-for-7 two-point shooting and dominance around the rim more than compensated. His +3 plus-minus reflected steady positive impact all game long.
Marcus Smart was arguably the Lakers’ most complete performer despite finishing with just 10 points. He posted 4 steals, 3 blocks, 7 assists, and a team-leading +13 plus-minus.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 10 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Steals | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 |
| FG | 3-9 (33.3%) |
| +/- | +13 |
| Defensive Rating | 83.4 |
Smart’s individual defensive rating of 83.4 was the best on the floor for either team. Every time New Orleans threatened to take control, Smart disrupted passing lanes, contested shots, and created transition opportunities.
His 4 steals were the joint-highest in the game alongside Herbert Jones. The Lakers were simply better defensively every minute Smart was on the court.
Austin Reaves had an efficient night that doesn’t jump off the stat sheet but was crucial to the Lakers’ fourth-quarter run. He scored 15 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, added 3 assists, and hit 2 threes.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 15 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 |
| 3PT | 2-7 (28.6%) |
| FT | 5-5 (100.0%) |
| Fast Break Points | 9 |
Reaves went 5-for-5 from the free throw line and added 9 fast break points. His 8 defensive rebounds were second only to Doncic’s 10 on the team, giving the Lakers extra possessions in the crucial fourth quarter.
He shot only 4-for-15 overall, but his free throw accuracy, defensive boards, and fast break contributions made him a net positive despite the shooting struggles.
Deandre Ayton was the most efficient scorer on the floor from a field goal percentage standpoint, converting 6-of-8 attempts (75.0%) for 13 points and 8 rebounds.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 13 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Blocks | 2 |
| FG | 6-8 (75.0%) |
| 2PT | 6-8 (75.0%) |
| True Shooting% | 77.0% |
Ayton’s 77.0 true shooting percentage was the highest in the game. He scored 12 of his 13 points in the paint and protected the rim with 2 blocks in limited minutes.
His -7 plus-minus indicated the Pelicans had some success when he was on the floor, but his individual scoring efficiency was impossible to fault.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 24 points on an excellent 10-for-18 shooting performance. Every single one of his field goal attempts came inside the arc, and he drew 6 fouls on the Lakers defense.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 24 |
| Rebounds | 4 |
| Steals | 1 |
| FG | 10-18 (55.6%) |
| 2PT | 10-18 (55.6%) |
| FT | 4-5 (80.0%) |
| Points in Paint | 20 |
| Fast Break Points | 6 |
| True Shooting% | 59.4% |
| Fouls Drawn | 6 |
| +/- | -7 |
Williamson’s 20 points in the paint were the most from any single player in this game. He was virtually unstoppable around the basket, converting at a 55.6% clip and drawing fouls at will.
His only weakness on the night was his absence from the three-point line — he never attempted a single shot outside the two-point area. The Lakers were content to let him catch in isolation spots and contest his drives with their 12-block team performance.
Trey Murphy III was the Pelicans’ most complete performer. He finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 42.9% from three.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 21 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Steals | 2 |
| FG | 7-15 (46.7%) |
| 3PT | 3-7 (42.9%) |
| FT | 4-5 (80.0%) |
| Points in Paint | 8 |
| Fast Break Points | 6 |
| True Shooting% | 61.0% |
Murphy’s 42.9% three-point shooting and 61.0 true shooting percentage made him the Pelicans’ most efficient offensive player. His 8 defensive rebounds were critical to keeping New Orleans in the game during their third-quarter 27-22 scoring run.
He was the only Pelicans player who consistently generated clean looks against the Lakers’ defense. His ability to space the floor and attack off the dribble gave New Orleans a different dimension from Williamson’s interior game.
Dejounte Murray posted a near triple-double with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He was the engine of the Pelicans offense all night.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 15 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Steals | 1 |
| FG | 5-13 (38.5%) |
| 3PT | 2-6 (33.3%) |
| FT | 3-3 (100.0%) |
| +/- | -3 |
Murray’s 8 assists matched Doncic’s 7 as the joint-best playmaking performance of the game. He finished with an assists-to-turnover ratio of 2.67 — the best of any primary playmaker on the floor.
His 3 turnovers were well-managed given his volume of ball-handling, and his 38.5% shooting was respectable on 13 attempts. Murray was one assist away from a triple-double in a performance that highlighted how dangerous the Pelicans can be when he’s operating efficiently.
Saddiq Bey contributed 18 points off 7-of-18 shooting and added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He was New Orleans’ second-leading scorer in a game where they needed every point.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 18 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Steals | 2 |
| FG | 7-18 (38.9%) |
| 3PT | 2-9 (22.2%) |
| Points in Paint | 10 |
| +/- | -9 |
Bey’s 22.2% three-point shooting was a significant issue. He took 9 three-point attempts and converted only 2, leaving points on the board that could have swung the game.
His interior game was much better — 5-of-9 on two-point attempts and 10 points in the paint. Had his perimeter shooting been closer to his season average, New Orleans might have stolen this road game.
Herbert Jones produced just 2 points but was one of the best defensive performers in the game. He recorded 4 steals — tying Marcus Smart for the game high — plus 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 2 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Steals | 4 |
| Efficiency Score | 9 |
| +/- | -3 |
Jones’ 4 steals were exceptional. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 5.0 (5 assists, 1 turnover) was the best of any player in the game. He won every hustle battle and generated opportunities — New Orleans just couldn’t convert them.
His shooting was poor (1-for-7, 0-for-4 from three), but his defensive IQ and activity level were a constant headache for the Lakers’ ball handlers.
One of the most fascinating elements of the New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers match player stats was the points in the paint category. New Orleans dominated paint scoring 60 to 50 yet still lost by 9.
| Team | Paint Points | Paint Attempts | Paint % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 50 | 40 | 62.5% |
| Pelicans | 60 | 60 | 50.0% |
The Pelicans got more paint attempts (60 vs 40) but converted at a lower rate (50.0% vs 62.5%). The Lakers were more selective and more efficient when they attacked the basket.
Williamson’s 20 paint points led all players. But the Lakers spread their paint scoring across Doncic (12), LeBron (14), Ayton (12), and Reaves (4), making them much harder to stop defensively.
| Category | Lakers | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Break Points | 28 | 18 |
| Fast Break Att | 13 | 14 |
| Fast Break % | 84.6% | 64.3% |
| Second Chance Pts | 15 | 8 |
| Off. Rebounds | 11 | 10 |
The Lakers scored 10 more fast break points than the Pelicans despite taking one fewer transition attempt. Their 84.6% conversion rate on fast breaks — largely driven by LeBron’s 12 fast break points alone — was elite.
LeBron’s transition game was a constant theme throughout the fourth quarter. Every Pelicans turnover seemed to produce a running opportunity for James, and he converted those moments at a perfect 5-for-5 rate.
| Category | Lakers | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Steals | 7 | 12 |
| Blocks | 12 | 3 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 29 | 21 |
| Turnovers Forced | 19 | 22 |
New Orleans forced 22 turnovers — five more than the Lakers — and recorded 12 steals to the Lakers’ 7. On paper, the Pelicans won the steal battle decisively.
But Los Angeles converted those Pelicans turnovers into 29 points while New Orleans only got 21 from Lakers’ miscues. Efficiency after turnovers, not just generating them, was the key defensive difference.
The Lakers’ 12 blocks are a remarkable number in any NBA game. That figure completely altered how New Orleans could attack the basket in the fourth quarter when Williamson was being doubled and having his driving lanes disrupted.
| Team | Bench Points | Key Contributor |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 24 | Luke Kennard (9 PTS, 66.7% FG, +16) |
| Pelicans | 21 | Bryce McGowens (6 PTS), Derik Queen (2 PTS, 4 AST) |
Luke Kennard came off the bench and delivered 9 points on 3-of-5 shooting including 2-of-3 from three. His +16 plus-minus was the best of any player in the entire game, meaning the Lakers were substantially better when Kennard was on the floor.
The Pelicans’ bench contributed 21 points but was inconsistent. Bryce McGowens posted a -13 plus-minus, the worst in the game, indicating New Orleans’ second unit struggled to hold its own against the Lakers’ starters.
| Metric | Lakers | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating | 104.3 | 94.1 |
| Defensive Rating | 94.1 | 104.3 |
| Effective FG% | 53.6% | 46.7% |
| True Shooting% | 58.2% | 51.3% |
| Assists/TO Ratio | 1.38 | 1.61 |
| Biggest Lead | +10 | +8 |
| Most Unanswered | 14 pts | 10 pts |
The Pelicans actually had a better assists-to-turnover ratio (1.61 vs 1.38), showing their ball movement was cleaner. But the Lakers’ superior effective field goal percentage (53.6% vs 46.7%) tells the complete scoring story.
New Orleans’ 46.7% effective FG% was significantly hampered by Bey’s 22.2% three-point night and the team’s 27.6% overall from beyond the arc. Better three-point shooting across the board could easily have flipped this result.
The Lakers entered this game on a strong run, having won 4 of their previous 5 games. Their current roster centered around Doncic and LeBron gives them one of the highest scoring floors in the Western Conference.
Doncic arrived in Los Angeles as a blockbuster trade acquisition and immediately elevated the team’s championship ceiling. Paired with LeBron, the two stars give the Lakers a versatile offensive attack that no two defenders can cover alone.
The Pelicans have been one of the more interesting teams in the 2025-26 season. They’ve shown they can beat elite teams — winning at Minnesota (119-115) and defeating Golden State (113-109) — but road losses like this one at LA are difficult to overcome in a crowded Western Conference standings race.
Zion Williamson remains a matchup nightmare when healthy. The challenge for New Orleans is consistently surrounding him with enough spacing and defensive versatility to win tight games on the road.
This was the one completed matchup between the teams available in the current data. Based on the 2025-26 schedule, a second meeting between these franchises is expected later in the season, giving New Orleans a chance to even the series.
| Date | Location | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 4, 2026 | Los Angeles | Lakers | 110-101 |
The Lakers and Pelicans have produced memorable moments in recent years, including several playoff battles that helped shape both franchises. The Anthony Davis trade history, multiple draft pick exchanges, and competitive playoff series have made this one of the more historically significant matchups in the Western Conference.
New Orleans is still building toward sustained contention. Los Angeles, with Doncic now alongside LeBron, has once again assembled one of the league’s most dangerous offensive duos.
Every Pelicans vs Lakers game carries genuine weight in the Western Conference standings race. Both teams are trying to climb into a more favorable playoff position as the regular season winds down.
| Category | Leader | Team | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | Luka Doncic | LAL | 27 |
| Rebounds | Luka Doncic | LAL | 10 |
| Assists | Dejounte Murray | NOP | 8 |
| Steals | M. Smart / H. Jones | LAL/NOP | 4 each |
| Blocks | Lakers (Team) | LAL | 12 |
| Best FG% | Deandre Ayton | LAL | 75.0% |
| Best +/- | Luke Kennard | LAL | +16 |
| Points in Paint | Zion Williamson | NOP | 20 |
| Fast Break Pts | LeBron James | LAL | 12 |
| Best TS% | Deandre Ayton | LAL | 77.0% |
The Los Angeles Lakers won 110-101 at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers outscored the Pelicans 34-23 in the fourth quarter after trailing or being tied through three quarters.
Doncic finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on 10-of-22 shooting. He recorded a double-double but had 7 turnovers — the most on the team — in the Lakers’ 110-101 victory.
Williamson led New Orleans with 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%) and added 4 rebounds. He scored 20 of his 24 points in the paint and drew 6 fouls but finished -7 in plus-minus.
LeBron scored 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting (66.7%) with 7 rebounds and 7 assists. He scored 12 of his 21 points on the fast break and posted a 67.7 true shooting percentage.
Murphy scored 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting with 3-of-7 from three (42.9%), adding 8 rebounds and 4 assists. He posted a 61.0 true shooting percentage — the highest on the Pelicans.
Marcus Smart (Lakers) and Herbert Jones (Pelicans) both recorded 4 steals each — the most by any individual player in the game. The Pelicans as a team had 12 steals versus the Lakers’ 7.
The Los Angeles Lakers recorded 12 blocks as a team — compared to just 3 for New Orleans. Marcus Smart led the Lakers with 3 individual blocks, and Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves each added 2.
Murray posted 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists — one assist away from a triple-double. He finished with a 2.67 assist-to-turnover ratio and shot 5-of-13 (38.5%) from the field.
The Lakers won the fast break points battle 28-18 and converted Pelicans turnovers into 29 points vs 21 for New Orleans. Despite the Pelicans winning the steals battle 12-7, the Lakers were more efficient with their opportunities.
Luke Kennard (Lakers) had the best plus-minus at +16, followed by Marcus Smart at +13 and Jake LaRavia at +10. For the Pelicans, Derik Queen led with +2 and Jeremiah Fears at +1 were the only players in positive territory.
The New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers match player stats from March 4, 2026 reveal a competitive, physical game that the Lakers ultimately controlled with superior fourth-quarter execution.
Luka Doncic’s 27-point double-double, LeBron James’s efficient 21-point performance, and Marcus Smart’s defensive masterclass were the defining individual efforts.
For New Orleans, Zion Williamson’s 24-point interior dominance and Trey Murphy III’s 21-point showing gave the Pelicans every chance.
The Lakers’ 12 team blocks, 28 fast break points, and fourth-quarter 34-23 advantage sealed the result. This rivalry will continue to produce must-watch Western Conference basketball throughout 2026.