The Los Angeles Lakers secured their third consecutive victory with a thrilling 110-101 comeback win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, March 4, 2026, according to an Associated Press report. The game showcased a dramatic late rally led by guard Luka Doncic, who delivered a stellar performance to push the Lakers past a resilient Pelicans squad.
Doncic Fuels Lakers' Fourth-Quarter Surge
Luka Doncic was instrumental in the Lakers' success, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. His efforts were complemented by LeBron James, who added 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. James also moved within two field goals of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career record of 15,837, shooting an efficient eight of 12 from the field.
The Lakers erased an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a decisive 24-7 run, including 14 unanswered points down the stretch. Doncic led this late surge alongside Austin Reaves, who rebounded from a cold start—missing his first eight shots—to finish with 15 points. Reaves hit a crucial three-pointer with 5:04 left to give Los Angeles a 96-94 lead, shifting momentum in their favor.
Key Contributions and Defensive Stand
Deandre Ayton contributed 13 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who overcame 21 turnovers to secure the win. Marcus Smart also played a pivotal role, draining clutch three-pointers in the final two minutes and finishing with 10 points, seven assists, four steals, and three blocked shots. The Lakers tightened their defense in the closing minutes, holding the Pelicans scoreless for over four minutes to seal the victory.
For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson scored 24 points in his return from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury. Trey Murphy III added 21 points, and Saddiq Bey contributed 18. Despite leading by eight with just over seven minutes remaining, New Orleans could not withstand the Lakers' late-game intensity, losing for just the second time in six games during their West Coast trip.
Doncic's Technical Foul and Suspension Risk
Luka Doncic picked up his 14th technical foul of the season in the second quarter and narrowly avoided a second technical after clapping at a referee in protest of a no-call late in the game. Under NBA rules, he will face a suspension if he reaches 16 technical fouls, adding a layer of tension to his future performances.
Other NBA Results from the Night
In other games across the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 113-109, with Jaylon Tyson scoring 22 points and James Harden adding 18. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-110 behind Anthony Edwards' 41-point explosion, his ninth 40-point performance of the season.
Additional results included the Charlotte Hornets defeating the Dallas Mavericks 117-90, the Orlando Magic beating the Washington Wizards 126-109, the New York Knicks topping the Toronto Raptors 111-95, the Miami Heat routing the Brooklyn Nets 124-98, the San Antonio Spurs winning 131-91 at the Philadelphia 76ers, the Oklahoma City Thunder edging the Chicago Bulls 116-108, and the Phoenix Suns downing the Sacramento Kings 114-103.
