Dončić and LeBron Control the Tempo as Lakers Take Down Pelicans 111–103

This one was about control.

Not speed.

Not chaos.

Just precision.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111–103, leaning on veteran composure, half-court execution, and timely defensive stops to turn a competitive matchup into another statement win.

🎯 Dončić and LeBron Set the Rhythm Early

From the opening minutes, it was clear who dictated the flow.

Luka Dončić and LeBron James alternated as initiators, slowing the game down and forcing New Orleans to defend deep into the shot clock.

Dončić finished with:

• 30 points
• 10 assists
• 11-of-22 shooting

LeBron matched him step for step:

• 30 points
• 8 assists
• 8 rebounds
• Perfect 7-of-7 at the free-throw line

When the Pelicans threatened runs, the Lakers answered with patience — not panic.

🧠 Efficiency Was the Separating Line

The box score reveals where the game tilted.

• Lakers FG%: 50.6%
• Pelicans FG%: 44.0%

Both teams moved the ball well, each finishing with 30 assists, but Los Angeles consistently turned movement into high-quality looks — particularly from mid-range and inside the paint.

This wasn’t about volume.

It was about shot selection.

🛡️ Ayton Owns the Interior

While the stars ran the perimeter, Deandre Ayton controlled everything else.

Ayton posted:

• 18 points
• 11 rebounds
• 3 blocks

His presence limited second-chance opportunities and discouraged New Orleans from attacking the rim late. Every key rebound in the fourth quarter felt heavier than the last.

🔥 Trey Murphy III Goes Nuclear — But Stands Alone

The Pelicans had one undeniable force.

Trey Murphy III exploded for 42 points, knocking down 6 threes and carrying New Orleans offensively for long stretches.

The problem?

Help never arrived.

Outside of Zion Williamson’s 15 points, the Pelicans struggled to find consistent scoring, shooting just 25.0% from three as a team.

When Murphy cooled — even briefly — the margin widened.

⏱️ The Sequence That Broke the Game Open

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Lakers delivered the knockout sequence:

• A Dončić pick-and-roll bucket
• A LeBron pull-up three
• An Ayton offensive rebound putback

In less than two minutes, the lead stretched just enough — and the Pelicans never fully recovered.

📊 Team Numbers That Tell the Story

Los Angeles Lakers

• 43/85 FG (50.6%)
• 11/31 3PT (35.5%)
• 54 rebounds
• 30 assists

New Orleans Pelicans

• 40/91 FG (44.0%)
• 10/40 3PT (25.0%)
• 15 turnovers

The Lakers didn’t overwhelm.

They out-executed.

📈 Why This Win Matters

This wasn’t a highlight-reel victory.

It was something more valuable.

The Lakers showed they can:

• Control tempo on the road
• Win without living at the free-throw line
• Close games with discipline rather than hero ball

With Dončić commanding structure, LeBron choosing his moments, and Ayton anchoring the paint, Los Angeles continues to look like a team that understands exactly who it is.

And that’s when wins start stacking quietly.