The Lakers' thrilling comeback seals the deal against the Pelicans, but controversy looms over a technical foul call.
In a captivating NBA showdown at the Staples Center on March 3, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their resilience, overcoming a late deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 110-101. This marks the Lakers' third consecutive win, solidifying their recent dominance.
Luka Doncic, the star of the night, delivered a remarkable performance with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. He was ably supported by LeBron James, who contributed 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists of his own. But the story of the game was the Lakers' ability to bounce back from a 21-turnover performance and a fourth-quarter deficit.
With just over seven minutes remaining, the Pelicans held an eight-point lead. But the Lakers' defense clamped down, holding New Orleans scoreless for over four minutes. Austin Reaves, who struggled early, found his rhythm and hit a crucial three-pointer to put the Lakers ahead, 96-94. Marcus Smart and Doncic then sealed the deal with back-to-back threes in the final two minutes.
And here's where it gets controversial: Doncic received a technical foul in the second quarter, his 14th of the season. But when he clapped at a referee in protest of a no-call late in the game, he avoided a second technical, which would have resulted in an automatic suspension. Was this a missed call, or did the officials show leniency to a superstar? You decide.
For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson's return from an ankle injury was promising, as he scored 24 points. Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey also contributed significantly with 21 and 18 points, respectively. Despite the loss, New Orleans has been impressive on their West Coast trip, winning four out of six games.
As the Lakers head to Denver and the Pelicans to Sacramento for their next games, the NBA world is buzzing with this controversial non-call. Will the league review the incident, or is it simply a case of star treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
