The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans meet in a high-stakes Western Conference clash at the Smoothie King Center. Both teams are battling for playoff positioning, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of the NBA season.
The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, aim to strengthen their hold on a top-six seed, while the Pelicans, powered by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, are determined to climb out of the play-in tournament.

With the postseason fast approaching, every game matters. The Lakers have displayed moments of brilliance but need consistency to avoid slipping in the standings. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have been one of the most exciting teams in the league, relying on their young core to make a deep playoff push. This game will not only impact their current seedings but could also be a preview of an intense playoff series.
TV: Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers), Bally Sports New Orleans (Pelicans)
Streaming: FuboTV, NBA League Pass, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
TV: DAZN, Sky Sports, beIN Sports (France), NBA League Pass
Streaming: DAZN, Sky Go, NBA League Pass
Regular Season: Lakers lead the all-time series 42-27.
Playoffs: The teams have yet to meet in the postseason.
| Date | Winner | Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 20, 2025 | Lakers | 121-110 | LeBron James (28 PTS) |
| February 25, 2025 | Pelicans | 118-104 | Zion Williamson (32 PTS) |
| January 12, 2025 | Lakers | 112-109 | Anthony Davis (27 PTS, 12 REB) |
With just a few weeks left in the NBA regular season, this game could have a major impact on the Western Conference standings.
Currently holding the 6th seed, the Lakers are looking to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a direct playoff berth. A win here would further strengthen their position, keeping them ahead of teams like the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.
Sitting at the 7th seed, the Pelicans are on the brink of either making the playoffs directly or slipping into the play-in tournament. A victory against the Lakers would boost their chances of overtaking the Lakers in the standings, making this a must-win for them.
If the Lakers win, they create a crucial buffer from the play-in spots, while a Pelicans win could push them up and possibly send the Lakers into a tougher postseason path. Every possession counts in this high-stakes clash.