The Lakers pulled off a stunning comeback, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against the Pelicans! It was a nail-biting finish on Tuesday night, March 3, 2026, as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a late deficit to secure their third consecutive win, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 110-101. This game was a true testament to resilience and clutch performance when it mattered most.
Leading the charge for the Lakers was Luka Doncic, who delivered an all-around stellar performance with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Not far behind, the legendary LeBron James contributed 21 points to the winning effort. Even with 21 turnovers – a stat that would usually derail a team – the Lakers found a way to overcome these miscues. But here's where it gets remarkable: they managed this despite trailing in the fourth quarter!
And this is the part most people miss: The Lakers' ability to dig deep and find another gear was crucial. They ignited a 14-point scoring streak down the stretch, ultimately closing the game on an impressive 24-7 run. This surge was powered by the combined efforts of Doncic and Austin Reaves. Reaves, in particular, showed incredible mental fortitude. After a rough start, missing his first eight shots of the game, he found his rhythm and finished with 15 points, including some critical baskets that shifted the momentum.
For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson made a strong return after a one-game absence due to an ankle injury he sustained last Saturday. He poured in 24 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Trey Murphy III added 21 points, and Saddiq Bey chipped in with 18 points. The Pelicans, who had been on a solid run, losing only twice in their last six games, now face a setback on their West Coast road trip.
New Orleans had built an eight-point lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the final quarter. It felt like they might be in control. However, the Lakers' defense tightened significantly, holding the Pelicans scoreless for a crucial 4 minutes and 18 seconds. This defensive stand provided the spark the Lakers needed offensively.
With 5:04 left on the clock, Austin Reaves drained a 3-pointer, giving the Lakers a 96-94 lead. The momentum had clearly swung. In the closing minutes, Marcus Smart and Luka Doncic sealed the deal with clutch 3-pointers in the final two minutes. Smart's contribution was immense, not just with his 10 points, but also with 7 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocked shots – a truly impactful all-around performance.
LeBron James also added 7 rebounds and 7 assists to his stat line. His efficient 8-of-12 shooting from the field brings him even closer to an NBA milestone. He's now just two baskets away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time record of 15,837 career field goals. A truly historic achievement on the horizon!
Now, here's a point that might spark some debate: Luka Doncic received his 14th technical foul of the season in the second quarter. Despite his animated reaction to a no-call in the final minutes, he managed to avoid a second technical that would lead to a suspension. Is it fair that players can protest calls so vehemently without consequence, especially when it impacts the flow of the game? Or is this part of the passion of the sport?
What are your thoughts on the Lakers' incredible comeback? Do you think Austin Reaves' ability to shake off a bad shooting start is a sign of true mental toughness, or was it just luck? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking ahead:
The Pelicans will continue their West Coast journey, heading to Sacramento to face the Kings on Thursday night.
The Lakers will also be on the road, traveling to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Thursday night.
