Lakers extend winning streak to 7 in win vs Pels

The Lakers are absolutely rolling. Luka Doncic and LeBron James combine for 64 points in the 136-115 win vs the Pelicans and become the first Laker duo in history to each record 30+ points and 5+ three pointers in a game. LeBron James also reached yet another milestone, passing the threshold of 50,000 total points (regular season and playoffs), being the only player ever to do so.

James also received his 41st 'Player of the Month' award for the western conference in the month of February alongside Donovan Mitchell (eastern conference), becoming the oldest player to receive the award. LeBron averaged 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists and shot 55.5% from the floor and 44.3% from downtown.

While the Pelicans have had a less than desirable season plagued by injuries, they came into the night 17-44, winning 5 of their last 7. Zion Williamson had a monster game, dropping 37 points on 17-23 shooting, 6 assists and had 0 turnovers in just 26 minutes for New Orleans.

The Lakers however managed to hold the Pels to just 26.5% shooting from three. Since January 15th, the Lakers rank 1st in points allowed (105.8), 1st in opponent field goal percentage (43%), 1st in opponent paint points allowed (43.1) and 5th in opponent 3-point percentage (33%) per, Spectrum Sportsnet.

Jarred Vanderbilt continues to shine on the defensive end, bringing immediate energy to the group the moment he checks in. His activity on the glass continues to impress as he grabbed 8 rebounds in 20 minutes, including 3 offensive boards to go along with 2 blocks. The way he switches, recovers, rotates and practically flies around the court defensively is the kind of heart and hustle every team in the league desires.

Jaxson Hayes produced probably his best game of the season, dropping 19 points, 10 rebounds and didn't miss a single shot, going 8-8 from the field and 3-3 from the FT line. Hayes in a postgame interview credited Doncic and James' playmaking for the looks he's been receiving.

Gabe Vincent seems to have fallen back into a bit of a shooting slump, shooting 1-7 from the floor and 0-6 from 3, but his point of attack defense and irritation of the opposing team's guards is incredibly valuable. The shots will fall sooner rather than later.

Shake Milton, Dalton Knecht and Trey Jemison III all poured in much needed production as the bench unit provided 43 points in the absence of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jordan Goodwin.

The Lakers injury report has upgraded Reaves to probable for tomorrow's game vs the Knicks, Goodwin to questionable and Hachimura remains out. LA will look to add to their winning streak in the final game of their homestand before heading out for a 4-game road trip starting Saturday vs Boston.