LeBron James and Luka Dončić each scored 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Tuesday, extending their winning streak to three games. The late-game surge helped the Lakers maintain pressure on Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

James, 41, showcased a complete performance with 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block, while Dončić added 10 assists and two rebounds alongside his 30-point haul.

The Pelicans, struggling at the bottom of the West with an 8-30 record, had briefly threatened an upset after building an 86-79 lead at the end of the third quarter. However, James nailed two crucial three-pointers in a 9-0 Lakers run to open the fourth, and Dončić added eight more points to seal the victory.

Trey Murphy led New Orleans with a sensational 42-point effort, while Zion Williamson (15) and Derik Queen (10) were the only other Pelicans in double figures.

Grizzlies Rally to Edge Spurs

Meanwhile, San Antonio slipped to second place in the West after a narrow 106-105 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama returned from a New Year’s Eve knee injury to score 30 points off the bench, but Memphis rallied late to snatch the win.

San Antonio started strong, with Julian Champagnie scoring 15 points in the first quarter, including four three-pointers, giving the Spurs a 31-21 lead. Memphis fought back, edging the second quarter 25-23 and outscoring San Antonio 36-33 in the third to take an 82-81 lead into the final frame.

The Grizzlies pulled further ahead early in the fourth, with Cam Spencer scoring six unanswered points to make it 88-81. San Antonio briefly reclaimed the lead at 105-101, but Spencer closed out the game with five consecutive points, securing a one-point victory.

“Tonight we just fought to the end,” Spencer said. “They have some clutch players, but we didn’t let it affect our body language and how we finished defensively. They hit tough shots, but we responded well mentally.”

Around the League

• Anthony Edwards scored 26 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 122-94 win over the Miami Heat.
• Darius Garland contributed 29 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-116.

With this win, the Lakers remain third in the Western Conference at 23-11, behind Oklahoma City (30-7) and San Antonio (25-11).