LeBron James Dominates Pelicans, Propels Lakers into In-Season Tournament Final

Amidst the dramatic theater lighting that enhanced the atmosphere for the tournament's semifinals at T-Mobile Arena, LeBron James delivered a captivating performance in the Los Angeles Lakers' resounding 133-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Displaying his enduring brilliance, James contributed 30 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, propelling the Lakers to a spot in the championship game against the Indiana Pacers, who had defeated the Milwaukee Bucks earlier in the day.

It is remarkable to consider that just before this offseason, James contemplated stepping away from the game and the competitive environment. However, his exceptional performance in the tournament demonstrates that he still thrives in this arena and has no intentions of slowing down.

"If you decide to retire, or whatever the case may be, you're not a part of it anymore, so it wouldn't be me leaving it on the table because I would have never had the table set," James told ESPN. "But I'm happy that I'm here; this is a pretty cool moment, and let's see if we can capitalize on it. It's been good. It's been dope."

LeBron James, now in his remarkable 21st season, has consistently performed at such a high level for such an extended period of time that it is easy to overlook exceptional performances like the one he delivered against the New Orleans Pelicans. In that game, he shot an impressive 75% from the field, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Notably, he did not commit a single turnover and had an outstanding plus-minus of plus-36 in just 23 minutes of play.

While these remarkable feats may seem ordinary for James given his exceptional career, it is worth pausing to consider the context. James is closer in age to retired legend Shaquille O'Neal, who was present courtside for the tournament, than he is to his own teammate Austin Reaves. The fact that James continues to perform at such an extraordinary level on the basketball court becomes even more astonishing when viewed in this perspective.

During a pivotal stretch in the second quarter, LeBron James showcased his shooting prowess with an impressive display. In a span of just 61 seconds, James drained three consecutive 3-pointers, with the final shot being particularly memorable. Launching the ball from a distance of 30 feet, the crowd anticipated his shot as soon as he crossed half court. This remarkable sequence not only demonstrated James' ability to take control of the game but also electrified the atmosphere and solidified the Lakers' advantage.

Following the game, Pelicans coach Willie Green praised LeBron James, acknowledging his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. Green remarked, "You saw LeBron on full display. He understands these moments." This performance harkened back to James' initial encounter with Zion Williamson in 2020, where he asserted his dominance over the young rookie by scoring 11 consecutive points, including three successful 3-point shots, to break open the game.

Williamson, on the other hand, expressed his disappointment with his own performance, recognizing the need to be more aggressive and take a more active role in getting his team going. He finished the game with 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

While James' impressive shooting display garnered attention, his defensive efforts should not be overlooked. He fearlessly positioned himself to draw charges from Williamson, displaying his commitment to the team's success. This sacrifice resonated with his teammates and set the tone for the game.

When asked about the physicality of his play, James humorously responded that he was not too old to draw contact, especially considering the $500,000 per player cash prize for winning the tournament.

In the second quarter alone, James scored 18 points, contributing to the Lakers' 67-54 halftime advantage. The team continued their dominance in the third quarter, going on a 22-6 run and extending their lead to 90-60 with an alley-oop pass from James to Anthony Davis. The Lakers entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 110-71 lead after outscoring the Pelicans 43-17 in the third.

While James led the way, the Lakers showcased a well-rounded performance. They shot 51.7% from beyond the arc, outrebounded the Pelicans, and emphasized ball movement, accumulating 31 assists on 47 made field goals. Additionally, four other Lakers players reached double-digit scoring, with Davis leading the way with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. James' stat line made history, as he became the first player to record 30 or more points, 5 or more rebounds, and 5 or more assists in under 23 minutes of play.

After starting the season 3-5, L.A. is rolling heading into Saturday's championship game with the first-ever NBA Cup and a significant financial incentive on the line. The Lakers have won three games in a row and are 7-3 in their last 10, moving up to No. 4 in the Western Conference standings.