Lakers Reclaim 3rd Seed behind Big 3’s 92 points
The Lakers took care of business against a shorthanded Pelicans team, winning 124-108 behind 92 combined points from LeBron, Reaves, and Luka. Jose Alvarado scorched early, but L.A. locked in defensively and dominated from the free-throw line.
Lakers Get the Job Done, But Not Without Concerns
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a much-needed 124-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night, regaining control of the 3rd seed in the Western Conference standings.
In what might be their easiest remaining game of the season, L.A. handled business—but not before a few warning signs showed up early.
Despite facing a banged-up Pelicans squad, the Lakers allowed two 30-point quarters in the first half, showing a lack of urgency that playoff teams can’t afford. It wasn’t until the second half that L.A. truly imposed its will and put the game away.
Jose Alvarado Catches Fire Early
Shorthanded or not, New Orleans came ready to compete—and Jose Alvarado made that clear from the opening tip. The scrappy guard dropped 18 points in the first quarter alone and finished the game with 27 points on 21 shot attempts.
His energy and fearlessness exposed early gaps in the Lakers’ defense. While Alvarado’s hot start didn’t hold up for four quarters, his performance served as a reminder that L.A. can’t take any opponent lightly, regardless of the roster on the floor.
Pelicans Derail Themselves With Turnovers
While Alvarado was lighting it up, the rest of the Pelicans couldn’t get out of their own way. Turnovers were a recurring issue for New Orleans, as unforced errors killed their momentum and gave the Lakers plenty of opportunities in transition.
For a team missing key players, they needed a near-perfect game—and the sloppiness made that impossible.
LeBron, Luka, and AR combined for 92 POINTS tonight 🤯🤯🤯
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 5, 2025
UNSTOPPABLE. https://t.co/rnThkl1pLr pic.twitter.com/4gg7fXgokW
Big Three Explode for 92 Points
The Lakers were carried offensively by their trio of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Dončić, who combined for 92 of the team’s 124 points.
Reaves continued to show his growth as a reliable secondary scorer, LeBron controlled the game as the veteran anchor, and while Luka is still battling through some inefficiency, his presence alone shifts the gravity of the floor.
The collective firepower from these three overwhelmed New Orleans, especially once the Lakers settled into their offensive sets.
Free Throws: Quietly the Deciding Factor
One of the biggest differences in the game didn’t come from flashy highlights but from the free-throw line. The Lakers shot over 90% from the stripe, capitalizing on nearly every trip and turning fouls into momentum-sustaining points.
In a game that stayed within reach until the fourth, that level of consistency at the line made a real difference.
Jaxson Hayes Steps Up on the Glass
With Rui Hachimura out due to injury, the Lakers needed someone to step up in the frontcourt—and Jaxson Hayes answered the call.
Hayes pulled down 11 rebounds, giving L.A. second chances and limiting New Orleans’ opportunities on the other end. His energy and physicality were crucial in keeping the Lakers in control of the paint.
Dalton Knecht Earns Minutes
Rookie wing Dalton Knecht also got a chance to shine in Rui’s absence, logging key minutes and helping stretch the floor. While his stat line wasn’t eye-popping, his willingness to step into the moment speaks volumes about his growth and readiness when called upon.
Time to Tighten Up Ahead of OKC
As the Lakers look ahead to a crucial matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the mentality needs to shift.
They can’t afford to “toy with their food” against a legitimate Western Conference contender—especially one they could very well meet again in the postseason. The win over New Orleans was necessary, but the early lapses won’t fly against OKC.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers took care of business and got the result they needed. The big three showed out, Hayes brought energy, and the team cashed in from the line.
But if this squad wants to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need to start games with the same intensity they finish with. Tonights win was a step in the right direction—but there’s still work to be done.
