New Game New Record For LeBron James as They Dominate The Pelicans

LeBron James Dominates as Lakers Crush Pelicans in NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinal

In a stunning display, the Lakers, led by LeBron James, secured a commanding 133-89 victory against the Pelicans in the NBA In-Season Tournament's Western Conference semifinal.

Record-Breaking Performance

LeBron continues his record-breaking spree, achieving a historic feat in Thursday's victory – the first NBA player to notch 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in under 23 minutes of play.



LeBron's 30-point performance in three quarters included a remarkable 9-for-12 field goal shooting, a flawless 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Notably, he now holds the Lakers' franchise record for the shortest time played while scoring 30 points , surpassing Nick Young's previous record in 2014.

Triple-Double Milestone

Adding to the spectacle, LeBron set another record, boasting the highest number of games (nine) with a minimum of 30 points, eight assists, and zero turnovers. The T-Mobile Arena witnessed an extraordinary moment when LeBron sank a 'heat check' 30-foot shot, marking his third consecutive three-pointer in just one minute during the second quarter.

Halftime Brilliance and Third-Quarter Surge

LeBron's second-quarter brilliance, contributing 18 points, gave the Lakers a solid 67-54 lead at halftime. The momentum continued into the third quarter, where the Lakers outscored the Pelicans 43-17, allowing LeBron and the starters crucial rest ahead of the championship game on Saturday.

Unbeaten Streak and Standings Rise

With this resounding 44-point victory, the Lakers (14-9) now stand undefeated at 6-0 in the In-Season Tournament, climbing to fourth in the Western Conference standings. LeBron attributed the success to the team's defense, holding the Pelicans to a mere 35.8% field goal percentage.

Defensive Mindset and Veteran Tenacity

LeBron's commitment to a defensive mindset throughout the tournament was evident as he took three charges in the game, including two against the formidable Zion Williamson. Responding to questions about his age, the 38-year-old LeBron quipped,
Championship Incentive

As a reminder, the winning championship team's players will each earn a $500,000 bonus. The Lakers, now facing the Indiana Pacers in the championship game, will vie for this substantial prize at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday at 8:30 PM ET.

Hoops Wire