January 7th - The Lakers defeated the Pelicans 111-103 . LeBron James and Luka Doncic both scored 30 points, while Deandre Ayton contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds. For the Pelicans, Murphy III scored 42 points in a losing effort, but it wasn't enough to prevent the team's defeat.

At the start of the game, both teams quickly entered an offensive battle, with the score seesawing back and forth. Doncic scored 11 points in the first quarter, helping the Lakers take a slight 29-25 lead. In the second quarter, the Pelicans' offense stalled for a period, and the Lakers widened the gap to 7 points. However, the Pelicans adjusted in time, with Murphy III scoring consecutive points to lead the team to take the lead. At halftime, the Pelicans led 54-51 .

In the third quarter, the Pelicans extended their lead to as much as 9 points. Murphy III scored 20 points in the quarter, becoming the game's most outstanding scorer, but the Pelicans still trailed 79-86 after three quarters . In the final quarter, the Lakers quickly erased the deficit and went on a run, taking the lead and at one point leading by 11 points. In the crucial moments, James hit consecutive key shots, contributing 10 points in the quarter. Ultimately, the Lakers secured a 111-103 victory.

Lakers player statistics

James had 30 points , 8 rebounds , and 8 assists; Doncic had 30 points , 2 rebounds , and 10 assists; Ayton had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists ; Smart had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists; Vanderbilt had 7 points , 8 rebounds , and 4 assists ; Kneckert had 6 points; Lalavia had 5 points and 5 rebounds; Hayes had 2 points and 3 rebounds; Smith had 1 rebound and 1 assist .

Pelicans player statistics

Murphy III had 42 points , 5 rebounds, and 3 assists; Williamson had 15 points , 4 rebounds , and 5 assists; Quinn had 10 points , 13 rebounds , and 8 assists; Fells had 9 points , 4 rebounds , and 2 assists; Missy had 8 points , 7 rebounds , and 2 assists; Matkovic had 6 points and 2 rebounds; Alvarado had 5 points , 4 rebounds, and 6 assists; and Pivi had 5 points , 2 rebounds, and 1 assist .