Crystal Pouncey
Dec 08, 2023 - 06:05

Lakers cruise past Pelicans into tournament final

LeBron James leads Lakers to 133-89 victory over New Orleans Pelicans. Lakers to face Indiana Pacers in NBA in-season tournament.

LeBron James had an incredible performance, scoring 30 points and dishing out eight assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 133-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the semifinals of the NBA's in-season tournament. This impressive win secured their spot in the championship game, where they will face the Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers' victory was a team effort, with Austin Reaves contributing 17 points and seven assists, and Anthony Davis adding 16 points and 15 rebounds. The team has been on a hot streak, winning 11 of their last 15 games.

James was particularly impressive, making all four of his attempts from beyond the arc and finishing with a 9-of-12 shooting performance. He played just 23 minutes and sat out the final quarter, showcasing his efficiency and impact on the game.

On the other side, the Pelicans struggled to keep up with the Lakers, with Trey Murphy III scoring 14 points and Zion Williamson adding 13. However, their efforts weren't enough to overcome the Lakers' dominant performance.

The Lakers' shooting was on point, making 54.7 percent of their shots and 17 of 35 from 3-point range. In contrast, the Pelicans struggled, hitting only 35.8 percent of their shots and going 7-of-31 from behind the arc.

James was the standout player of the game, scoring 21 points in the first half as the Lakers took a commanding 67-54 lead. He followed up with an impressive 18-point second quarter, leading the Lakers to a 13-point halftime cushion.

The Lakers continued to dominate in the third quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 43-17 and turning the game into a blowout. They held a 110-71 lead going into the final quarter and cruised to the finish, securing their spot in the championship game.

Overall, the Lakers' victory was a testament to their skill and teamwork, and they will now look to carry this momentum into the championship game against the Indiana Pacers.