Lakers Defeat Pelicans 111-103 in Close Contest
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
Los Angeles Lakers 111, New Orleans Pelicans 103, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Los Angeles Lakers beat New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 at Smoothie King Center on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -225 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 111-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, extending their dominance in the series to 4-0 this season. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with the Lakers boasting a robust away record of 23-11 compared to the Pelicans' struggling home record of 8-30.
In terms of recent form, the Pelicans have faced significant challenges, losing their last seven games and recording a 3-7 record over their last ten. They have averaged 117.8 points scored while allowing 124.0 points during this stretch. Their last five games have been particularly disheartening, with an average of 114.4 points scored and 126.8 points allowed. The Pelicans' home performance has not provided much solace either, as they have a home record of 3-4 in their last ten games.
Conversely, the Lakers have had a more balanced recent performance, recording a 5-5 record over their last ten games, with a current winning streak of two games. They have averaged 114.9 points scored and allowed 119.9 points during this period. Their last five games have seen them average 115.0 points scored and 116.6 points allowed, indicating a competitive edge that has served them well on the road.
Historically, the Lakers have dominated this series, leading 4-0 in the current season and having won the last five meetings overall. In their previous encounters this season, the Pelicans lost to the Lakers 121-133 on December 1 and 104-118 on November 15, both games highlighting the Lakers' ability to outscore the Pelicans consistently.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans are dealing with the day-to-day statuses of Micah Peavy, who is resting, and Bryce McGowens, who is dealing with a toe issue. These absences could have contributed to their struggles in recent games.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Lakers favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 245.5 points. The odds reflected the Lakers' stronger performance this season, with a moneyline of -225 for the Lakers and +185 for the Pelicans.
Game conditions were typical for a January evening in New Orleans, with both teams facing the usual challenges of travel and fatigue. The match featured notable scoring plays, including a critical reverse layup by LeBron James in the fourth quarter, assisted by Luka Doncic, which helped to maintain the Lakers' lead.
As the game progressed, the Pelicans made attempts to close the gap, highlighted by Trey Murphy III's 27-foot three-point shot and free throws that brought the score to 109-103. However, the Lakers responded with a running dunk from Jake LaRavia, sealing their victory at 111-103.
Overall, this game underscored the Lakers' current form and ability to capitalize on their opponents' weaknesses, while the Pelicans continue to seek answers to their ongoing struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAL -5.5 | 245.5 o -108 / u -112 | Los Angeles Lakers -225 · New Orleans Pelicans +185 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
Leaders
- PointsTrey Murphy III42New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsDerik Queen8New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsDerik Queen13New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsLeBron James30Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLuka Doncic10Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsDeandre Ayton11Los Angeles Lakers
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 3-7Streak L7117.8 scored · 124 allowed per game3-4 at home
- L106-125at Miami HeatJan 4
- L109-122vs Portland Trail BlazersJan 3
- L118-134at Chicago BullsJan 1
- L125-130vs New York KnicksDec 30
- L114-123vs Phoenix SunsDec 28
- L108-115vs Phoenix SunsDec 27
- L118-141at Cleveland CavaliersDec 24
- W119-113vs Dallas MavericksDec 23
- W128-109vs Indiana PacersDec 21
- W133-128vs Houston RocketsDec 19
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2114.9 scored · 119.9 allowed per game2-2 away
- W120-114vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 5
- W128-121vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 3
- L106-128vs Detroit PistonsDec 31
- W125-101vs Sacramento KingsDec 29
- L96-119vs Houston RocketsDec 26
- L108-132at Phoenix SunsDec 24
- L88-103at LA ClippersDec 21
- W143-135at Utah JazzDec 19
- W116-114at Phoenix SunsDec 15
- L119-132vs San Antonio SpursDec 11
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Lakers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-85 | 40-91 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 11-31 | 10-40 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 25 |
| Free throws | 14-21 | 13-18 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 35 | 30 |
| Assists | 30 | 28 |
| Steals | 11 | 8 |
| Blocks | 6 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 24 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 58 | 56 |
| Fouls | 21 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 63 | 33 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter70-74Trey Murphy III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-76Trey Murphy III makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Derik Queen assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-76Luka Doncic makes 13-foot driving floating jump shot (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-76Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-78Derik Queen makes 1-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter74-78Jake LaRavia makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-81Trey Murphy III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Derik Queen assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-82Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-83Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-83LeBron James makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter76-83LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter77-83LeBron James makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter79-83LeBron James makes 2-foot running dunk
- 3rd Quarter79-85Trey Murphy III makes driving layup (Jordan Poole assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-86Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter82-86LeBron James makes 25-foot three point jumper (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter84-86Jarred Vanderbilt makes 1-foot layup (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter87-86LeBron James makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter88-86Jarred Vanderbilt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-88Derik Queen makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter91-88Dalton Knecht makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
- 4th Quarter91-90Zion Williamson makes layup (Micah Peavy assists)
- 4th Quarter93-90Deandre Ayton makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter95-90Deandre Ayton makes running layup (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter97-90Jake LaRavia makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter97-91Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-92Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-93Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-93Luka Doncic makes 22-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter100-96Jose Alvarado makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter102-96LeBron James makes 2-foot reverse layup
- 4th Quarter105-96Luka Doncic makes 31-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter107-96LeBron James makes 1-foot reverse layup (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter107-98Derik Queen makes driving layup (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter107-99Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-100Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-100Luka Doncic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-100Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-103Trey Murphy III makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter111-103Jake LaRavia makes 4-foot running dunk (Marcus Smart assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Los Angeles Lakers.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance18227
- OfficialsTyler Ford, Mousa Dagher, Pat O'Connell
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