When the New Orleans Pelicans face the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s always a high-stakes showdown. These games reveal not just team strategy, but how individual players rise under pressure. Below, we break down key player stats, performance trends, and critical matchups to provide a clear, insightful look at New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers match player stats.
Season Overview & Head-to-Head Trends
To start, it helps to understand how the Pelicans and Lakers have performed across recent seasons. Historically, the Lakers have dominated the regular season matchup. Over their 79 all-time regular season meetings, Los Angeles has won 51 times, while New Orleans has taken 28.
In the 2024–25 NBA season, the Lakers posted a +0.8 net rating, averaging 113.3 points per game, while the Pelicans struggled with a –9.2 net rating and averaged 110.0 points.
Key Lakers Player Stats vs Pelicans
When the Lakers take on New Orleans, a few players typically lead the charge:
- Anthony Davis: A dominant presence under the rim, Davis averaged 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds, making him the Lakers’ top rebounder in these matchups.
- LeBron James: Though more of a facilitator, he contributed 24–25 points and around 8–9 assists per game in recent games.
- Austin Reaves: He’s become a key offensive weapon, putting up around 19–20 points per game against the Pelicans.
In a standout game, the Lakers beat New Orleans 136–115, where LeBron scored 34 points and Luka Dončić added 30 points and 15 assists, underlining the balance between star power and playmaking.
Key Pelicans Player Stats vs Lakers
On the Pelicans’ side, several players have tried to match up, with mixed success:
- Zion Williamson: In a tough battle, he put up 37 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in one game against the Lakers.
- Trey Murphy III: Known for his scoring, he added 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the same game.
- CJ McCollum: In that matchup, he had 10 points and 5 assists, helping with ball movement.
Other Pelicans like Yves Missi also made contributions – for example, according to RealGM, he averaged around 9.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in some Lakers matchups.
Recent Match Highlights
Looking at specific recent games gives more clarity on player performances:
- March 4, 2025 – Lakers 136, Pelicans 115
- Zion Williamson: 37 pts, 6 assists, 4 rebounds.
- Trey Murphy III: 19 pts, 6 rebounds, 5 assists.
- Lakers combined star play from LeBron and Dončić. (LeBron hit 34 in another game; in this game Dončić also played well.)
- November 16, 2024 – Lakers 104, Pelicans 99
- Anthony Davis delivered 31 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers.
- For New Orleans, Brandon Ingram scored 32 points, plus 8 assists.
- April 4, 2025 – Lakers 124, Pelicans 108
- The Lakers showed efficient offense, led by their frontcourt and playmakers.
- Pelicans struggled to match up, though players like Missi and McCollum made efforts.
Statistical Analysis & Performance Patterns
Analyzing across games reveals some consistent patterns in Pelicans vs Lakers matchups:
- Rebounding Battle: Anthony Davis usually owns the boards for the Lakers; his high rebounding numbers (often near 12 per game) give LA second-chance opportunities.
- Scoring Leadership: The Pelicans often rely on Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Even when they produce, the Lakers tend to spread the scoring load more evenly.
- Assists & Playmaking: LeBron’s experience and Dončić’s vision drive much of LA’s assists, while Pelicans depend on McCollum and others to set up plays.
- Defensive Struggles for Pelicans: Their defensive rating against the Lakers is weak; in the 2024–25 season, their net-rating gap reflects it.
Why These Matchups Matter
These Pelicans vs Lakers games matter for a few reasons:
- Playoff Implications: In a crowded Western Conference, every win or loss between these teams shifts momentum.
- Player Development: Young Pelicans, like Murphy III, get tested, while veterans like LeBron continue to build legacy.
- Tactical Lessons: Coaches on both sides learn from these battles — the Pelicans to tighten their defense, Lakers to optimize rotations.
Conclusion
In summary, the New Orleans Pelicans vs Lakers match player stats reflect a clear edge for Los Angeles—but they also highlight emerging talent in the Pelicans’ roster. While the Lakers often lean on their stars like LeBron and Davis, New Orleans seeks balance from Williamson, Murphy, and others.
If you follow these teams, watch their next clash closely: individual performances could determine the outcome, and player trajectories might shift. Want a breakdown for a specific future game? Just tell me the date or the players you’re most interested in.
FAQs
- Who usually leads in scoring for the Pelicans against the Lakers?
Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III often drive scoring for New Orleans in matchups vs. LA. - Which Lakers player dominates the rebounding in these games?
Anthony Davis consistently leads the rebounding battle in Lakers–Pelicans games. - Do the Pelicans have a good chance against the Lakers?
Yes, they can compete, especially if their key players execute, but their defensive rating and consistency often hurt them. - How many times have the Pelicans beaten the Lakers historically?
They’ve won 28 out of 79 regular season games against the Lakers. - Are there rising Pelicans players who perform well specifically vs. the Lakers?
Yes — Trey Murphy III has shown he can score and contribute in assists and rebounds in these matchups.
