Lakers pick Pelicans apart as LeBron gets another a triple-double

All-Star forward Anthony Davis missed the game due to soreness of the knee but LeBron more than made up for his absence

Guided by LeBron James's 34-point contribution, and despite missing All-Star forward Anthony Davis in their game line-up, visitors Los Angeles Lakers beat The New Orleans Pelicans 122-114 on Sunday

James who got yet another triple-double, ended the evening's affairs with 34 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds. Adding another 20 points was Kyle Kuzma. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13 while Avery Bradley, Danny Green and Markieff Morris scored 10 points apiece.

Davis missed the game due to soreness of the knee a night after losing in Memphis 105-88 where he averaged 36 points. It was also LA's lowest season total.

Rookie Williamson scores career-high 35

Rookie Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with a career-high 35 points, marking his 11th consecutive game with 20-plus points. Lonzo Ball scored 19, Brandon Ingram had 15 on 5-of-23 shooting, Derrick Favors had 12 points and 14 rebounds, Jrue Holiday scored 11 and Nicolo Melli added 10.

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The Lakers led by two at halftime, but Green scored the team's first five points of the third quarter and the lead quickly grew to 77-68. Williamson scored the first four points of a 9-0 run that pulled the Pelicans even.

Scores tied four times

The score was tied four more times before New Orleans took a 95-93 lead at the end of the third quarter. James started the fourth quarter with a jumper to tie the game before the Pelicans scored six straight points.

The Lakers answered with an 11-0 run as James had two baskets and assists on Kuzma's 3-pointer and Quinn Cook's jumper to make the score 106-101. Williamson scored five points to help New Orleans pull even at 108.

Kuzma and James each made a 3-pointer to give L.A. a 116-111 lead with 2:27 remaining and the Pelicans scored just three points after that. Ingram scored nine points and Josh Hart beat the quarter buzzer with a tip-in as New Orleans took a 33-29 lead at the end of the first period.

(With inputs from agencies)

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