LeBron James scored 34 points and became the first player in NBA history to reach 50,000 combined points in the regular season and playoffs, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. James hit the milestone with a first-quarter 3-pointer, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Luka Doncic added 30 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds, sparking the Lakers to their seventh consecutive win and 17th in their last 20 games. Jaxson Hayes contributed a season-high 19 points and 10 rebounds as Los Angeles, playing without injured starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, solidified their hold on second place in the Western Conference at 39-21.
The Lakers overwhelmed the Pelicans early, with Doncic pouring in 17 points in the first quarter, including three straight 3-pointers to establish control. Zion Williamson’s 37-point effort wasn’t enough for New Orleans, who dropped to 14th in the West despite a promising road trip.
In a feel-good moment, Bronny James saw his first action since Feb. 12, scoring two points in the final minutes of a dominant Lakers performance. Lakers fans will be very happy with this performance, so let’s rate every one of their players.
LeBron James: A+
Stats: 34 PTS, 8 REB (1 OREB, 7 DREB), 6 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 4 TO, 1 PF, 10-18 FG, 5-10 3PT, 9-9 FT, +7, 33 MIN
LeBron was at his dominant best, dropping 34 points along with eight rebounds and six assists to lead the Lakers to a blowout win. In the process, he became the first player in NBA history to surpass 50,000 combined points in the regular season and playoffs, a milestone fittingly reached with a first-quarter three-pointer. His efficiency (10-of-18 FG, 5-of-10 3PT, 9-of-9 FT) and two blocks showcased his all-around brilliance, while his ability to control the pace and deliver in key moments kept the Pelicans at bay.
Luka Doncic: A+
Stats: 30 PTS, 8 REB (1 OREB, 7 DREB), 15 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 5 TO, 0 PF, 9-19 FG, 6-13 3PT, 6-11 FT, +37, 34 MIN
Doncic was masterful in orchestrating the Lakers’ offense, finishing with 30 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds. His first-quarter explosion of 17 points, including three consecutive three-pointers, set the tone for the night. Though he committed five turnovers, his +37 plus-minus highlighted just how dominant he was. Doncic’s ability to thread passes and knock down deep shots (6-of-13 3PT) kept the Pelicans’ defense guessing, proving invaluable in securing the Lakers’ seventh straight win.
Jaxson Hayes: A-
Stats: 19 PTS, 10 REB (3 OREB, 7 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 5 PF, 8-8 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-3 FT, +4, 24 MIN
Hayes delivered a near-perfect performance off the bench, scoring 19 points on 8-of-8 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds. His activity on the boards and ability to finish efficiently at the rim provided the Lakers with a much-needed interior presence, especially in the absence of key starters. While he didn’t record any assists, steals, or blocks, his +4 plus-minus and aggressiveness on the glass were instrumental in maintaining the Lakers’ momentum.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B-
Stats: 12 PTS, 8 REB (3 OREB, 5 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 4-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, +27, 20 MIN
Vanderbilt played his role effectively, contributing 12 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in just 20 minutes. His defensive versatility was on display, helping to neutralize New Orleans’ scoring threats. While his offensive game was limited to spot-up shooting (2-of-4 3PT), Vanderbilt’s +27 plus-minus was a testament to his defensive impact and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Dalton Knecht: B-
Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB (1 OREB, 3 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 5-9 FG, 2-6 3PT, 1-2 FT, +2, 26 MIN
Knecht provided a solid boost off the bench, scoring 13 points with four rebounds and three assists. His efficiency (5-of-9 FG) and ability to space the floor were valuable, though his 2-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc left room for improvement. His +2 plus-minus was modest but reflective of his steady two-way play. Knecht’s ability to contribute in multiple facets made him a reliable option in the Lakers’ rotation.
Shake Milton: C+
Stats: 12 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 2 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 5-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +30, 19 MIN
Milton was an efficient spark plug, scoring 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting in just 19 minutes. His two steals highlighted his defensive activity, and his +30 plus-minus underscored his impact during his stints on the floor. While his contributions were limited to scoring and opportunistic defense, Milton’s ability to capitalize on open looks and disrupt passing lanes provided a valuable lift off the bench.
Dorian Finney-Smith: C+
Stats: 8 PTS, 5 REB (4 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 3-10 FG, 2-7 3PT, 0-0 FT, +5, 30 MIN
Finney-Smith had a mixed outing, finishing with eight points and five rebounds, but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 3-of-10 from the field and 2-of-7 from deep. His +5 plus-minus indicated a positive but modest impact, with his offensive struggles offsetting his rebounding and defensive efforts. Despite the shooting woes, Finney-Smith’s hustle and physicality on the boards helped the Lakers maintain their edge.
Trey Jemison III: C
Stats: 4 PTS, 5 REB (3 OREB, 2 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 2-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +7, 17 MIN
Jemison made the most of his limited minutes, scoring four points and grabbing five rebounds while dishing out three assists. His +7 plus-minus was a solid return, and his efficiency (2-of-2 FG) was a positive. While he didn’t register any defensive stats, Jemison’s ability to move the ball and secure rebounds without committing turnovers was a plus.
Gabe Vincent: C-
Stats: 2 PTS, 0 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-7 FG, 0-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, -8, 29 MIN
Vincent struggled mightily, scoring just two points on 1-of-7 shooting, including 0-of-6 from three-point range. His -8 plus-minus was the worst on the team, reflecting his offensive struggles and limited defensive impact despite recording two steals. While his three assists showed some playmaking ability, Vincent’s inability to hit open shots hampered the Lakers’ spacing at times.
Bronny James: N/A
Stats: 2 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -2, 4 MIN
Bronny made his first appearance since mid-February, scoring two points in four minutes. While his impact was minimal with a -2 plus-minus, the moment was significant for both him and Lakers fans. His lone basket was a positive sign, but the limited minutes made it difficult to assign a grade.
Alex Len: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 5 MIN
Len played just five minutes and didn’t record any stats, finishing with a -4 plus-minus. His brief appearance provided little to evaluate, making a grade inappropriate. As a deep-rotation player, his role was limited to giving the starters a brief rest.
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