The Lakers' thrilling comeback seals the deal against the Pelicans, but controversy looms.
In a nail-biting NBA showdown on March 3, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious over the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 110-101. This win marks the Lakers' third consecutive triumph, solidifying their recent dominance. But here's where the story takes an intriguing turn...
Luka Doncic, a basketball phenom, showcased his brilliance with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. He was ably supported by the legendary LeBron James, who contributed 21 points. However, the game's heroics didn't end there. Deandre Ayton's 13 points and eight rebounds played a pivotal role in the Lakers' comeback, especially after a sluggish start that saw them trailing in the fourth quarter and committing 21 turnovers. But the Lakers found their rhythm, scoring 14 unanswered points and closing the game on a 24-7 run.
And this is the part most people miss: Austin Reaves, who started the game ice-cold, missing his first eight shots, became a pivotal player in the Lakers' surge, finishing with 15 points. Talk about a comeback within a comeback!
The Pelicans, despite a valiant effort, couldn't maintain their lead. Zion Williamson, returning from an ankle injury, led the team with 24 points, while Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey added 21 and 18 points, respectively. But the Lakers' defense clamped down when it mattered most, holding the Pelicans scoreless for over four minutes in the fourth quarter.
With clutch three-pointers from Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Doncic in the final minutes, the Lakers sealed their fate. Smart, in particular, had a stellar performance with 10 points, seven assists, four steals, and three blocks.
LeBron James, ever the all-rounder, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out seven assists, while also inching closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA record for career field goals, needing just two more baskets to tie the legend.
But controversy struck when Doncic received his 14th technical foul of the season, narrowly avoiding a second one for a heated exchange with a referee. A 16th technical foul would result in a suspension, adding an intriguing subplot to the Lakers' season.
As the Lakers and Pelicans prepare for their next games against Denver and Sacramento, respectively, the NBA world is buzzing with excitement and debate. Was the referee's decision to not call a second technical foul on Doncic justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
