NBA roundup: LeBron James makes history as Lakers dominate Pelicans

LeBron James reached another career milestone on Tuesday, scoring 34 points as the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. James became the first player to surpass 50,000 combined regular-season and playoff points, hitting a three-pointer in the first quarter to cement his place in NBA history.

Luka Dončić added to the night’s significance by scoring 30 points and dishing out 15 assists, making him only the fourth player in franchise history to record at least 30 points and 15 assists in a game—joining legends Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and James.

Despite missing key players Rui Hachimura (knee) and Austin Reaves (calf), the Lakers secured their seventh consecutive win. Jaxson Hayes contributed with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 37 points. Trey Murphy III chipped in 19 for New Orleans, which had won five of its last seven games before the loss.

Elsewhere in the league, Donovan Mitchell’s 28 points helped the Cleveland Cavaliers secure their 11th straight win, defeating the Chicago Bulls 139-117. Jarrett Allen dominated with 25 points and 17 rebounds as Cleveland erased a 15-point deficit and pulled away in the fourth quarter.

In Phoenix, Kevin Durant powered the Suns to a thrilling 119-117 comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Durant scored 19 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter as the Suns erased a 23-point deficit. Devin Booker added 17 points, while Ivica Zubac set a career-high with 35 points for the Clippers, who have now lost six of their last seven games.

Tyrese Haliburton continued his stellar form for the Indiana Pacers, leading them to a 115-102 win over the Houston Rockets with 28 points and 15 assists. Despite a 58-35 rebounding advantage, Houston dropped its eighth consecutive road game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered his sixth triple-double of the season, guiding the Milwaukee Bucks to a 127-121 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Antetokounmpo tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Trae Young led Atlanta with 28 points and 13 assists.

Toronto rookie Ja'Kobe Walter was the hero for the Raptors, hitting a go-ahead three-pointer with 0.5 seconds left to secure a 114-113 win over the Orlando Magic. Paolo Banchero exploded for 41 points in the loss, including 22 in the fourth quarter.

Stephen Curry paced the Golden State Warriors with 28 points in a 114-102 win over the New York Knicks. OG Anunoby led New York with 29 points, while Jalen Brunson managed 25 despite struggling from three-point range.

The Minnesota Timberwolves took down the Philadelphia 76ers 126-112 behind a 23-point performance from Naz Reid. Quentin Grimes led the Sixers with 30 points, but the team continued its struggles, losing for the 11th time in 12 games.

In San Antonio, Devin Vassell had a career night, drilling eight three-pointers and scoring a personal-best 37 points to propel the Spurs past the Brooklyn Nets 127-113. The Nets have now dropped five straight games.

SportsLigue