The New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NBA, with matchups that never fail to deliver excitement. Fans eagerly tune in to see star-studded performances, thrilling plays, and intense competition. Whether it’s Zion Williamson powering through the paint or LeBron James orchestrating a comeback, these games are packed with action. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats from their recent matchups, focusing on key performances, trends, and what makes these games so captivating. This breakdown is designed to be easy to read and understand for fans of all ages, so let’s get started!
Why New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats Are Must-Watch
The New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats bring contrasting styles to the court. The Pelicans rely on a mix of young, athletic talent like Zion Williamson and savvy veterans like CJ McCollum. Meanwhile, the Lakers boast a blend of all-time greats like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, alongside rising stars like Austin Reaves. Their games often come down to who can control the pace—New Orleans’ fast-paced, high-energy attack versus Los Angeles’ calculated, star-driven offense.
Recent matchups, particularly in the 2024-25 season, have showcased some incredible individual performances. Let’s look at the stats from their most notable games this season, including the March 4, 2025, and April 4, 2025, clashes, and highlight the players who stood out.
March 4, 2025: Lakers 136, Pelicans 115
This game was a high-scoring affair, with the Lakers dominating at home. The final score of 136-115 reflected their offensive firepower, especially from beyond the arc. Let’s break down the key player stats.
Lakers’ Standout Performers
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LeBron James: The King delivered a masterful performance, finishing with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. At 40 years old, LeBron continues to defy time, shooting 12-for-20 from the field and 3-for-6 from three-point range. His ability to control the game’s tempo and find open teammates was crucial in the Lakers’ blowout win.
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Luka Dončić: Yes, Luka as a Laker! In this game, Dončić showcased his playmaking brilliance, posting 30 points, 15 assists, and 8 rebounds. His +37 plus-minus was the highest for a Laker since 2020, highlighting his impact. Dončić knocked down 5 three-pointers and consistently found teammates for open shots, exploiting New Orleans’ defense.
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Jaxson Hayes: The big man stepped up in the absence of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, recording a season-high 19 points and 10 rebounds. His dominance on the glass helped the Lakers control second-chance opportunities.
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Vanderbilt (Vando): Known for his defensive tenacity, Vando chipped in with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. His energy on defense helped disrupt the Pelicans’ rhythm, and he even showed signs of developing a corner three.
The Lakers shot an impressive 52 three-pointers, capitalizing on New Orleans’ tendency to give up long-range shots since Zion’s return. Coach JJ Redick’s game plan clearly worked, as the Lakers’ spacing and ball movement overwhelmed the Pelicans.
Pelicans’ Key Contributors
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Zion Williamson: Despite the loss, Zion was a force, dropping 40 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He shot 16-for-24 from the field, showcasing his ability to attack the rim relentlessly. However, the Lakers’ defense limited his playmaking, as he recorded only 2 assists.
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Jose Alvarado: The sparkplug guard brought energy off the bench, scoring 18 points and dishing out 5 assists. His quickness troubled the Lakers’ backcourt, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
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CJ McCollum: McCollum struggled with efficiency, scoring 15 points on 6-for-15 shooting. He hit 3 three-pointers but couldn’t find his rhythm against the Lakers’ perimeter defense.
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Brandon Ingram: Ingram added 20 points and 6 assists but was quiet in the second half as the Lakers pulled away. His 8-for-18 shooting was solid, but he couldn’t match the Lakers’ star power.
The Pelicans’ 115 points were respectable, but their defense couldn’t keep up with the Lakers’ hot shooting. New Orleans struggled to contain the perimeter, allowing Los Angeles to exploit open looks from deep.
April 4, 2025: Lakers 124, Pelicans 108
The second matchup of the season was closer but still saw the Lakers come out on top. Played on the second night of a back-to-back, this game showcased the Lakers’ depth and the Pelicans’ resilience despite missing key players.
Lakers’ Top Performers
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Austin Reaves: Reaves was electric, leading the team with 30 points, including 6 three-pointers. His ability to hit tough shots and create off the dribble was a game-changer. Reaves also passed Nick Van Exel for the second-most three-pointers in a single season in Lakers history—a huge milestone
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LeBron James: LeBron contributed 27 points and 5 assists, though he didn’t grab a single rebound, which was unusual. His playmaking kept the Lakers’ offense flowing, especially in the second quarter, where they built a commanding lead.
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Dalton Knecht: The rookie provided a spark off the bench, scoring 12 points on 50% shooting. His offensive outburst reminded fans of Lonnie Walker IV’s playoff heroics a few years ago. Knecht’s ability to heat up quickly could make him a playoff X-factor.
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Jaxson Hayes: Hayes continued his strong play, grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds and adding 10 points. Despite foul trouble, his presence in the paint was vital.
The Lakers’ second-quarter dominance, fueled by Reaves’ hot shooting and LeBron’s playmaking, gave them a lead the Pelicans couldn’t overcome. Los Angeles finished with 15 three-pointers, continuing their trend of exploiting New Orleans’ perimeter defense.
Pelicans’ Notable Performances
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Jose Alvarado: Alvarado was the standout, erupting for 27 points off the bench. His energy and hustle kept the Pelicans in the game early, but he couldn’t sustain the momentum.
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Zion Williamson: Zion had a quieter night, finishing with 22 points and 8 rebounds on 9-for-17 shooting. The Lakers’ double-teams limited his impact, forcing other Pelicans to step up.
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Dejounte Murray: Murray, a new addition to the Pelicans, added 15 points and 7 assists but struggled defensively against Reaves and Dončić. His playmaking was a bright spot, though.
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Trey Murphy III: Murphy chipped in 12 points, including 2 three-pointers, but couldn’t find consistency. The Pelicans’ offense leaned heavily on Alvarado, which wasn’t enough to match the Lakers’ firepower.
The Pelicans fought hard, but their 21-61 season record reflected their struggles with consistency and injuries. The Lakers’ depth and star power proved too much, especially in the fourth quarter, where Los Angeles sealed the win.
Head-to-Head Trends and Stats
The Lakers and Pelicans have faced off 78 times in the regular season, with Los Angeles holding a 50-28 edge. In the 2024-25 season, the Lakers won three of their four matchups, including:
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November 16, 2024: Lakers 104, Pelicans 99
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March 4, 2025: Lakers 136, Pelicans 115
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April 4, 2025: Lakers 124, Pelicans 108
The Lakers’ success has largely come from their ability to shoot from deep and exploit New Orleans’ defensive weaknesses. The Pelicans, meanwhile, rely heavily on Zion Williamson’s scoring and playmaking, but injuries to key players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have hampered their consistency.
Key Statistical Comparisons
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Team |
Points Per Game |
Rebounds Per Game |
Assists Per Game |
Three-Point % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lakers |
121.3 | 44.7 | 28.3 | 38.2% |
|
Pelicans |
109.8 | 43.6 | 25.1 | 34.7% |
The Lakers’ superior three-point shooting and assist numbers reflect their balanced attack, while the Pelicans’ lower scoring output highlights their reliance on individual brilliance rather than team cohesion.
Player Spotlights: Who’s Driving the New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats Rivalry?
Zion Williamson (Pelicans)
Zion is the heart of the Pelicans’ offense. His ability to attack the rim and draw fouls is unmatched, but he often faces double-teams, limiting his playmaking. In the March 4 game, his 40-point, 11-rebound performance showed why he’s one of the league’s most explosive talents. However, staying healthy remains his biggest challenge, as he played 70 games in 2024-25—his healthiest season yet.
LeBron James (Lakers)
LeBron continues to be a force, averaging 25+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 7+ assists in his 22nd season. His ability to read defenses and create open shots for teammates like Dončić and Reaves makes the Lakers dangerous. Against the Pelicans, LeBron’s leadership and clutch play have been decisive.
Austin Reaves (Lakers)
Reaves has emerged as a key piece for the Lakers, especially in the April 4 game, where his 30 points and six threes stole the show. His growth into a reliable scorer and playmaker has eased the burden on LeBron and Anthony Davis.
Jose Alvarado (Pelicans)
Alvarado’s hustle and heart make him a fan favorite. His 27-point outburst on April 4 showed he can be a game-changer off the bench. While not a superstar, his energy and defensive tenacity keep the Pelicans competitive.
What Makes These Games So Exciting?
The Pelicans-Lakers matchups are thrilling because of the contrast in styles and the star power on display. Zion’s explosive dunks, LeBron’s no-look passes, and Reaves’ clutch threes create highlight-reel moments. Add in the playoff implications—both teams often fight for seeding in the competitive Western Conference—and every game feels like a must-win.
The Pelicans’ youth and athleticism make them dangerous, but the Lakers’ experience and depth give them the edge. Injuries have plagued New Orleans, with players like Ingram and McCollum missing time, while the Lakers have benefited from LeBron’s durability and Dončić’s arrival.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats?
As the 2025-26 season approaches, both teams face pivotal moments. The Pelicans need to stay healthy and integrate new additions like Dejounte Murray and draft picks like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Meanwhile, the Lakers are building around LeBron, Dončić, and Davis, with young talents like Dalton Knecht adding depth.
The next matchup, scheduled for July 13, 2025, in the NBA Summer League, will give fans a glimpse of both teams’ young talent. While it won’t feature the likes of LeBron or Zion, it’s a chance to see rising stars like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht for the Lakers and Jeremiah Fears for the Pelicans.
How to Stay Updated on New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats
Want to keep up with the latest player stats and game highlights? Here are some great resources:
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NBA.com: Offers detailed box scores, play-by-play data, and video highlights for every game.
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ESPN: Provides game summaries, player grades, and in-depth analysis.
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Sofascore: Tracks live scores, player stats, and schedules in real-time.
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Yahoo Sports: Features game recaps, roster updates, and fantasy basketball insights.
You can also follow the teams’ official social media accounts on X for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Final Thoughts
The New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers Match Player Stats rivalry is a showcase of basketball at its finest. From Zion Williamson’s jaw-dropping dunks to LeBron James’ all-around brilliance, these games are packed with unforgettable moments. The 2024-25 season saw the Lakers dominate, thanks to their three-point shooting and star power, but the Pelicans’ young core promises more competitive battles in the future.