Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats: Brilliant Win Lifts LA but Ugly Turnovers Threaten Playoff Push in 2026
Introduction
If you tuned in to the Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats expecting a comfortable Lakers cruise, you got a surprise instead. The Pelicans came out fighting, and it took a massive 34-point fourth quarter from the Lakers to put New Orleans away for good. The final score was 110 to 101, and this game had more layers than a simple box score can tell you.
In this article, you will get a complete breakdown of every key number from this game. We cover the Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats in full, from star performances by Luka Doncic and LeBron James to Zion Williamson carrying the Pelicans almost single-handedly in the second half. You will also find team stat comparisons, a quarter-by-quarter breakdown, and the biggest takeaways that will shape both teams for the stretch run.
Whether you follow the Lakers closely or you just want to know what happened, this guide has everything you need.

Game Overview: Lakers 110, Pelicans 101
The Lakers hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This was a Western Conference matchup that meant more for the Lakers than the Pelicans, who were already deep in a rebuilding stretch. The Lakers needed the win to stay sharp heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
The Pelicans actually led after the first quarter, 33 to 31. The Lakers then took over in the second quarter, outscoring New Orleans 23 to 18. A strong Pelicans third quarter brought the game back to within reach, but the Lakers closed with authority in the fourth, 34 to 23. That final quarter was the difference.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 31 | 23 | 22 | 34 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 33 | 18 | 27 | 23 |
You can see clearly that the Lakers found another gear in the fourth quarter. That 34-point final frame was the highest-scoring quarter for either team in the entire game. When LeBron and Luka decide to close, they close hard.
Lakers Player Stats: Full Individual Breakdown
Here is everything you need from the complete Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats on the Los Angeles side. These numbers come directly from the official game record.
[Image: LeBron James celebrating a fast break bucket in the fourth quarter with teammates at Crypto.com Arena]
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% |
| Luka Doncic | 27 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 45.5% |
| LeBron James | 21 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 66.7% |
| Austin Reaves | 15 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 26.7% |
| Deandre Ayton | 13 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 75.0% |
| Marcus Smart | 10 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 33.3% |
| Luke Kennard | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 60.0% |
| Jake LaRavia | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 50.0% |
| Rui Hachimura | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
Luka Doncic Led the Way
Luka Doncic was the engine for the Lakers. He finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on 45.5% shooting from the field. His double-double anchored the offense all night. He also hit 3 of 10 three-pointers, showing he can hurt you from anywhere.
One thing worth noting: Luka turned the ball over 7 times. That is a recurring concern. He also picked up a technical foul. But when the game was on the line in the fourth, he delivered. His offensive rating for the game was 94.5, which reflects how the Pelicans made things difficult for him early on.
LeBron James: Still Dominant
LeBron James recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting a remarkable 66.7% from the field. He was especially effective in the paint and on fast breaks. His fast break numbers were extraordinary: 5 fast break attempts, 5 made, 100% efficiency. He also scored 14 of his points inside the paint.
I think what makes LeBron still special at this stage is that he does not waste energy. He picks his spots and then attacks with precision. Seven turnovers is too many across the Lakers roster, but LeBron’s 5 turnovers were mostly in the first half when the game plan was still settling.
Marcus Smart: Defensive Spark
Marcus Smart had one of the better all-around performances in this game even without a huge scoring night. He finished with 10 points, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. That defensive output was enormous. His plus-minus of plus-13 was the best on the team.
Smart’s true impact does not always show up in the scoring column. He disrupts plays, forces turnovers, and makes the defense trust each other. His 4 steals were a game-high for the Lakers.
Austin Reaves: Struggled But Stayed Steady
Austin Reaves had a tough shooting night, going 4 for 15 from the field and only 2 for 7 from three. Still, he contributed 15 points on the strength of 5-for-5 free throw shooting. He also grabbed 8 rebounds and added 3 assists. His value goes beyond the shot chart, and the Lakers know that.
Deandre Ayton: Efficient Big
Ayton was terrific whenever he was on the floor. He shot 75% from the field, going 6 for 8 for 13 points, and grabbed 8 rebounds. He also contributed 2 blocks. His efficiency in the paint was exactly what the Lakers needed against Zion Williamson on the other end.
Pelicans Player Stats: Full Individual Breakdown
Now let us look at the New Orleans side of the Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats. The Pelicans were competitive for three quarters before the Lakers pulled away.
[Image: Zion Williamson attacking the basket against the Lakers interior defense in the second half]
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% |
| Zion Williamson | 24 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 55.6% |
| Trey Murphy III | 21 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 46.7% |
| Dejounte Murray | 15 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 38.5% |
| Saddiq Bey | 18 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 38.9% |
| DeAndre Jordan | 6 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 75.0% |
| Bryce McGowens | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 66.7% |
| Jeremiah Fears | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Derik Queen | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0.0% |
| Herbert Jones | 2 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 14.3% |
| Yves Missi | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33.3% |
Zion Williamson: Monster Performance, Still Not Enough
Zion Williamson was absolutely dominant on a personal level. He scored 24 points on 55.6% shooting, went 10 for 18 from the field, and drew 6 fouls. He scored 20 of his 24 points inside the paint. His ability to get to the basket and finish through contact is unmatched in the league.
But Zion’s night also illustrated the Pelicans’ broader problem. He got 24 points and it still was not enough. His team could not create consistent offense beyond him, especially in the fourth quarter when the Lakers clamped down. His minus-7 plus-minus tells the real story.
Trey Murphy III: Pelicans’ Best Option Outside of Zion
Trey Murphy III gave the Pelicans a genuine two-way performance. He scored 21 points on 46.7% shooting, including 3 of 7 from three. He also grabbed 8 rebounds and added 4 assists with 2 steals. Murphy is developing into a real NBA starter.
His 42.9% mark from three is efficient enough to keep defenses honest. If the Pelicans can build around Murphy and a healthy Zion, they have an interesting core for the future.
Dejounte Murray: Solid All-Around Night
Dejounte Murray put up 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He nearly had a triple-double. His ability to push the pace and find open teammates gave the Pelicans their best stretches of the game. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.67 to 1 was the best of any primary ball-handler in the game.
Saddiq Bey: Inconsistent but Active
Saddiq Bey scored 18 points but shot only 38.9% from the field and 22.2% from three. He was aggressive attacking the basket and earned trips to the free throw line, where he converted both attempts. His 2 steals added some defensive value, but his inconsistency from distance hurt the Pelicans’ spacing.

Team Stats Comparison: Lakers vs. Pelicans
These team-level numbers give you the full picture from the Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats. They explain why the Lakers won even while struggling in some areas.
| Stat | Lakers (LAL) | Pelicans (NOP) |
| Final Score | 110 | 101 |
| FG% | 47.0% | 42.2% |
| 3P% | 29.7% | 27.6% |
| FT% | 80.8% | 89.5% |
| Total Rebounds | 54 | 49 |
| Assists | 29 | 29 |
| Steals | 7 | 12 |
| Blocks | 12 | 3 |
| Points in Paint | 50 | 60 |
| Fast Break Points | 28 | 18 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 19 |
| Bench Points | 24 | 21 |
The Lakers Won with Blocks and Fast Breaks
The Lakers’ 12 blocks to the Pelicans’ 3 was a massive edge. That protected the rim and denied easy buckets. The Lakers also dominated fast break points 28 to 18, which came from turnovers forced and quick outlet passes. LeBron was the main beneficiary of the fast break system, scoring 12 of his points in transition.
Pelicans Won the Paint but Lost the Game
Here is a fascinating detail: the Pelicans actually scored 60 points in the paint compared to the Lakers’ 50. So how did they lose? The Lakers were far more efficient in other areas. Their free throw rate was excellent, their fast breaks converted at a higher clip, and their defense forced turnovers at key moments in the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans’ 12 steals were impressive, but they only converted those steals into 21 points off turnovers. The Lakers got 29 points off turnovers with only 7 steals. That tells you everything about conversion efficiency.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
You cannot fully understand the Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats without looking at the moments that shifted the game.
- The Lakers’ biggest run was 14 unanswered points, starting when they led 100 to 94. That burst sealed the game in the fourth quarter.
- The Pelicans led 33 to 31 after the first quarter, giving them early momentum.
- New Orleans outscored the Lakers 27 to 22 in the third quarter, making it a genuine contest heading into the fourth.
- LeBron James converted all 5 of his fast break opportunities in the game, none more important than a third-quarter layup that kept the Lakers within striking distance.
- Marcus Smart’s 4 steals disrupted the Pelicans’ offensive rhythm repeatedly in the second half.
Fantasy Basketball and Betting Takeaways
If you play fantasy basketball, the Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats deliver some clear signals for your roster decisions going forward.
Start These Players
- Luka Doncic: A 27-10-7 line with blocks and steals. He is a must-start in every format, turnovers and all.
- LeBron James: 66.7% shooting and 100% fast break efficiency. He is playing with purpose in the final weeks.
- Trey Murphy III: 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists show he is rounding into a high-usage player.
- Dejounte Murray: Near triple-double with a great assist-to-turnover ratio. Highly reliable.
Watch These Players
- Deandre Ayton: Only 8 of the available 48 minutes but was dominant. Monitor his role increase.
- Zion Williamson: 24 points on impressive shooting, but his plus-minus of minus-7 shows team fit issues remain.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
The Lakers improved with this win and showed they can close games under pressure. The fourth quarter performance was encouraging. The turnover issues, especially Doncic’s 7 and Reaves’ 5, are something head coach JJ Redick will need to address before the playoffs.
For the Pelicans, this loss is not devastating given where they are in the standings. But Zion Williamson’s ability to produce at this level with limited help is both impressive and slightly concerning. The Pelicans need more consistent shooting around him to compete with playoff-level opponents.
The Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats confirm that this Lakers squad has real title potential when LeBron and Luka both bring it in the same game. The question is whether they can eliminate the preventable mistakes that let lesser teams hang around.
Conclusion
The Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats tell the story of a Lakers team that needed a big fourth quarter to put away a feisty Pelicans squad. Luka Doncic led all scorers with 27 points and a double-double. LeBron James was dominant at 66.7% shooting. Zion Williamson gave everything for New Orleans with 24 points, but it was not enough.
The key numbers you should remember: Lakers won 110 to 101. The Lakers forced 12 blocks to the Pelicans’ 3. Fast break efficiency was decisive. And the Pelicans, despite 60 points in the paint, could not overcome the Lakers’ fourth-quarter dominance.
Did this game change your perspective on where the Lakers stand heading into the playoffs? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or share this breakdown with a fellow basketball fan who needs the full picture.

FAQs: Lakers vs. Pelicans Match Player Stats
1. What was the final score of the Lakers vs. Pelicans game on March 4, 2026?
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 110 to 101. The Lakers trailed after the first quarter but pulled away with a dominant fourth quarter.
2. Who was the top scorer in the Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match?
Luka Doncic led all scorers with 27 points on 45.5% shooting. He also added 10 rebounds and 7 assists for a double-double performance.
3. How did LeBron James perform against the Pelicans?
LeBron James scored 21 points on a remarkable 66.7% field goal percentage. He added 7 rebounds and 7 assists and was especially lethal on fast breaks, converting all 5 of his fast break attempts.
4. What were Zion Williamson’s stats in this game?
Zion Williamson scored 24 points on 55.6% shooting with 4 rebounds. He scored 20 of those points inside the paint and drew 6 fouls. Despite the strong individual performance, the Pelicans still lost by 9.
5. How did Dejounte Murray play for the Pelicans?
Dejounte Murray posted 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He was one assist and two rebounds shy of a triple-double. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.67 to 1 was excellent.
6. Which team shot better from three-point range?
The Lakers made 11 of 37 three-pointers for 29.7%. The Pelicans made 8 of 29 for 27.6%. Neither team had a great night from long distance, but the Lakers made 3 more threes overall.
7. What was the Lakers’ best quarter against the Pelicans?
The Lakers’ fourth quarter was their best, scoring 34 points to the Pelicans’ 23. That 11-point final period advantage is what created the final margin of victory.
8. How did Marcus Smart impact the game for the Lakers?
Marcus Smart had 10 points, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. His plus-minus of plus-13 was the best on the Lakers roster. He was the defensive anchor the team needed in the second half.
9. Did the Pelicans score more points in the paint than the Lakers?
Yes. The Pelicans actually outscored the Lakers in the paint 60 to 50. However, the Lakers won with better fast break execution, more blocks, and a dominant fourth quarter.
10. Where can I find the complete Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats?
You can find the complete Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats on NBA.com, ESPN, Basketball Reference, and major sports apps. This article covers the full breakdown from the official game record.
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Email: johanharwen314@gmail.com
Author Name: Johan harwen
About the Author: John Harwen is a veteran sports writer and NBA analyst with over 12 years of experience covering professional basketball. He has written for leading sports publications across North America, specializing in game analysis, player performance breakdowns, and fantasy basketball insights. John holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Southern California and is known for turning complex box score data into clear, reader-friendly stories. When he is not watching game film, you will find him coaching youth basketball in his local community. Follow John for daily NBA coverage and in-depth match reports.



