LeBron James: The Lakers extended their winning streak to three games as James and Dončić each scored 30 points in the Big Easy, keeping pressure on Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to three games after LeBron James and Luka Dončić each scored 30 points in a 111–103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday in the Big Easy win. The duo combined for 60 points as the Lakers closed the game with a strong late surge, keeping pressure on Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
Despite entering the night with an 8–30 record, the Pelicans threatened an upset after taking an 86–79 lead at the end of the third quarter. However, James sparked a turnaround by hitting two three-pointers during a 9–0 run to open the fourth quarter, before Dončić added eight points to seal the win for Lakers.
LeBron James Shines
LeBron James, 41, delivered a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block. Luka Dončić also scored 30 points, adding 10 assists and two rebounds.
Despite the loss, Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with a superb 42-point outing. Zion Williamson contributed 15 points, while Derik Queen added 10, as they were the only other New Orleans players to reach double figures.
41 year old LeBron James BLOWING by 25 year old Zion Williamson
You read that right pic.twitter.com/WbV9yix1nO
— 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 🏆 (@PurpGolded) January 7, 2026
Lakers Stand 3rd in the Western conference of NBA
The Lakers sit third in the Western Conference with a 23–11 record, trailing conference leaders Oklahoma City (30–7) and second-placed San Antonio, who slipped to 25–11 following a dramatic 106–105 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama returned from a knee injury sustained on New Year’s Eve and scored 30 points off the bench, but his comeback was overshadowed by frustration as Memphis mounted a late rally to steal the victory.
San Antonio exploded out of the gates, with Julian Champagnie pouring in 15 first-quarter points—including four three-pointers—as the Spurs raced to a 31–21 lead. Memphis responded by narrowly winning the second quarter 25–23 and then dominating the third with 36 points to take an 82–81 advantage into the final period. The Grizzlies extended their lead early in the fourth when Cam Spencer scored six straight points to make it 88–81, their largest margin of the night. However, the Spurs fought back to go ahead 105–101 before Spencer struck again, scoring five unanswered points to seal a thrilling one-point win for Memphis.
41 year old LeBron James BLOWING by 25 year old Zion Williamson
You read that right pic.twitter.com/WbV9yix1nO
— 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 🏆 (@PurpGolded) January 7, 2026
Overall, the results highlight the intense competitiveness at the top of the Western Conference, with the Lakers maintaining strong momentum behind standout performances from LeBron James and Luka Dončić, while rivals Oklahoma City and San Antonio continue to face pressure despite mixed outcomes. The narrow loss by the Spurs to Memphis and the Lakers’ late-game composure underscore how fine the margins are in the race for playoff positioning, where consistency, star power, and execution in clutch moments remain decisive.
