Sat Apr 05 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers Beat Pelicans Behind Doncic’s 35-Point Performance
**LOS ANGELES (AP) –** Luka Doncic bounced back from a subpar performance with a 35-point explosion, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Austin Reaves added 30 points, and LeBron James chipped in 27, as the Lakers secured their third win in four games, maintaining their hold on third place in the Western Conference.
The Lakers overcame a sluggish start, trailing by five points after the first quarter thanks to Jose Alvarado’s 18-point outburst. However, a strong second quarter, fueled by Doncic’s 11 points and James’ 10, saw Los Angeles take a 62-53 lead into halftime. Doncic, who struggled the previous night against Golden State, ignited his offense with a layup late in the second, eventually going 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. The Lakers as a team shot an impressive 26-of-28 from the charity stripe.
Alvarado led the Pelicans with 27 points, while Karlo Matkovic added 15. Despite Alvarado’s strong showing, the Pelicans suffered their fourth consecutive road loss.
Dalton Knecht also contributed for the Lakers, scoring 12 points after a recent scoring slump. The Lakers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, while the Pelicans host the Milwaukee Bucks.
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