Lakers pull off win against Pelicans despite turnover troubles

In usual circumstances, the Lakers wouldn’t have played a competitive game against the Pelicans on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.

Because in most seasons, a team like the Pelicans, who entered the matchup with the league’s sixth-worst record, would be tanking with the hopes of falling in the standings to secure the best possible draft lottery odds. 

But this season hasn’t been typical, with the Pelicans, who won six of their last nine games entering Tuesday, still looking to be competitive in light of trading away their 2026 first-round pick during a highly-scrutinized transaction that moved them up in the 2025 draft to select rookie big man Derik Queen at No. 13. 

LeBron James goes up for a layup over DeAndre Jordan. AP

So the Lakers had to fight all the way to the end for the 110-101 victory over the Pelicans.

“We knew we weren’t playing against their record,” LeBron James said. “It’s the first time they’ve been whole in quite awhile. And we know when they’ve been whole what kind of team they’ve been. We didn’t come in with the notion that we were playing against their record. We came in with the notion that we were playing a very athletic team that’s been playing exceptional basketball of late.”

The Lakers came back from an eight-point deficit and closed the game on a 22-7 run to seal the victory.

“Frankly, that’s not a win we’ve had since probably November,” Coach JJ Redick said. “Where we’re down. A lot of those early wins when we started 15-4, we had a number of double-digit deficits in the second half, and just stuck with it and kept playing. It was a good win for our group to be able to do that again.

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. James had 21 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. 

What it means

The Lakers are on their third three-game winning streak since December. 

They moved to 37-24 on the season, getting closer to having an identical home record (18-12) as road record (19-12).

Turning point

When after falling behind 94-86, the Lakers ran Stack 2 against the Pelicans’ hedging defense to open up a dunk for Jaxson Hayes assisted by Doncic, which started the Lakers’ late run.

Biggest offensive possession of the game. Lakers go to their stack 2 formation.

Pels put two on the ball. Watch Luka extend the trap, fake the pass to AR and open the jam for Jaxson. pic.twitter.com/04I1bLgRPK

— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) March 4, 2026

Austin Reaves, who struggled with his shot for most of Tuesday (15 points on 4-of-15 shooting) made a 3-pointer with 5:04 left to give the Lakers a 96-94 lead. They led for the remainder of the game.

MVP: Marcus Smart

His 3-of-9 shooting doesn’t stand out.

But the veteran guard made the dagger 3-point to put the Lakers up 105-98 with 1:34 left. 

And he made multiple game-changing defensive plays that ignited the Lakers’ offense.

Marcus Smart before tip-off. NBAE via Getty Images

“Smart was incredible,” Redick said. “Him and Jaxson [Hayes] in the second half, when we got him back in the game defensively, they helped us win the game. They changed the game.”

Smart finished with 10 points, seven assists, four steals, three blocked shots and three rebounds, and had the best individual plus/minus among the starters.

Stat of the game: 22

That was the number of turnovers the Lakers committed against the Pelicans.

It was the 11th time they had at least 20 giveaways, with the Lakers entering Tuesday 4-6 in games they had at least 20 turnovers.

Notably, it was just the third time the Lakers had at least 20 turnovers in a game Doncic, LeBron and Reaves all played, with the last one being the Feb. 5 win over the 76ers that Doncic left at halftime during. 

The Dec. 1 loss to the Suns was the last time the Lakers had 20 turnovers in a game all three star players finished.

Up next

The Lakers will kick off their upcoming back-to-back in Denver when they play the Nuggets on Thursday night at Ball Arena.

They’ll close out the back-to-back on Friday against the Pacers at Crypto.com Arena, which will kick off a five-game homestand. 

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Open Thread: Spurs Week Paris created some indelible memories

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 24: The San Antonio Spurs poses for a team photo as part of the NBA Paris Games 2025 at the Eiffel Tower on January 24, 2025 in Paris, France. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

While the San Antonio Spurs were amassing one of the greatest months in franchise history, the Spurs Organization was over the pond in Paris, France building on the relationship launched last season.

Per a Spurs press release:

The San Antonio Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) held two sports leadership events as part of the ongoing “Spurs Week Paris” initiative. The Spurs and PSG hosted an executive learning session for their leadership teams, followed by the second iteration of Spurs Community Leadership Institute (SCLI) Paris, serving a diverse group of French women leaders in sport. This transformative collaboration is the result of the deep relationship that has grown between the two clubs, both known as leaders in the globalization of sport, which tipped off in 2025 with the Spurs competing in the NBA Paris Games.

The Spurs x PSG Executive Learning Session brought both organizations together offering a leadership development program with expert panels and hands-on workshops.

The Spurs Community Leadership Institute hosted a one-day leadership summit involving 50 women leaders in sports, government officials and community. The event centered on advancing women in sports, leadership development and leveraging sports as a catalyst for social impact.

Patricia Mejia, chief impact & inclusion officer for the San Antonio Spurs shared,

“From day one, our relationship with Paris-Saint Germain has been driven by innovative thinking, collaborative conversations and a shared commitment to community impact. Through innovative initiatives like these, in collaboration with highly regarded organizations like PSG, the Spurs will continue to build lasting relationships in France and inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers in the global sports industry.”

Spurs Week Paris, a week-long in-person fan engagement activation across the city, continued to expand its presence in France on and off the court.

The Spurs commitment to growing the game of basketball globally involved a full week including a Spurs Skills Challenge Clinic, exclusive retail experiences, a newly renovated basketball court in Nanterre, and a public game watch party.

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Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.

Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.

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Golden Nuggets: It wouldn’t be a 49ers offseason without rampant trade speculation

LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 23: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers interacts with defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders after an NFL preseason football game, at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

49ers reportedly moving on from DT Kalia Davis
“According to Jordan Schultz, the 49ers do not plan to place a tender on the restricted free agent, allowing him to hit the open market.” 

Report: 49ers in play for Maxx Crosby; Mac Jones trade market cools
“The San Francisco 49ers are seemingly one of a dozen teams in play for Crosby, whom the Las Vegas Raiders would move for a couple of draft picks (it doesn’t seem like they can get two first-rounders) and a player,” Barrows and Tafur wrote.” 

49ers schedule pre-draft meeting with Memphis OT Travis Burke
“According to Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated, the 49ers are among several teams scheduled to hold an in-person meeting with former Memphis offensive tackle Travis Burke ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.” 

49ers select O-lineman with one concern in Lance Zierlein’s mock draft
“Short arms have been a big discussion point since the Super Bowl and might cause [Spencer] Fano to slip, but I’m not sure the 49ers would allow him to get past them, considering the athletic talent and scheme fit he could provide at right tackle or a guard spot,” Zierlein wrote.” 

Mac Jones’ quiet market and other 49ers takeaways from the NFL combine (paywall)
“According to league sources, the 49ers are eyeing assistant offensive line coach Cameron Clemmons to replace Brian Fleury as the team’s tight end coach. Clemmons spent the last two seasons working under offensive line coach Chris Foerster, who helps draw up the team’s running plays.”

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How Maxi Kleber made a big impact in his short shift

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 1: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 1, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — On the season, Maxi Kleber has only played in 34 of the Lakers’ 59 games and averages fewer than 11 minutes per contest in those appearances.

On Sunday night, he brought life to every second he played.

While LA had both of its top centers available, Jaxson Hayes found himself in early foul trouble, so Lakers head coach JJ Redick turned to Kleber. Immediately, he ramped up LA’s intensity.

Kleber was cleaning up the glass while serving as a rim protector, rejecting a Drew Eubanks attempt. He even added an offensive highlight to his reel, posterizing Precious Achiuwa.

It's a poster fest!!!! pic.twitter.com/xFyPVGgXJk

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 2, 2026

“He had two poster dunks tonight,” Redick said postgame. “Things you get really excited about…Just the reaction from his teammates on that, it’s something that gives your group spirit.”

But it was a play that largely won’t show up in the box score that provided the most spirit for the group.

As Marcus Smart took a 3-point attempt, Malik Monk yelled out “Hell naw!” as the ball failed to touch the rim. On the ensuing Kings’ possession, Monk tried to go coast-to-coast but Kleber stood his ground and knocked the guard down, sending a clear message.

When Monk got up, he had words for Kleber, as did former Laker Russell Westbrook. Kleber wanted all the smoke before coaches, players and officials stepped in to make sure things didn’t further escalate.

The play doesn’t appear in the box score as anything more than a foul on Kleber, but it gave this game a bit more edge. The Lakers kept that intensity up even as Kleber went to the bench, and they entered the halftime break up 15.

At times, LA has a tendency to let go of the rope, particularly in games seen as easy wins. Kleber ensured that wouldn’t be the case, even on the second night of a back-to-back.

“He’s the guy that makes our team,” Rui Hachimura said. “He has good energy. He always brings good energy to the team. We always talk about how we need to be more like Maxi or we need to be like Maxi. We always talk about that. I know how he approaches this every day and brings positive energy. He always brings good energy to the team, whether he plays or not.

Kleber won’t always play, and when he does, it won’t always look as good as it did against the Kings.

However, each team needs everyone rowing in the same direction. Kleber is one of those veterans who not only knows how to be a pro but also sets the standard for his teammates, whether they are playing big minutes or riding the bench.

With the Lakers responding to their three-game losing streak with back-to-back wins, LA is having a moment of positivity. Still, the Western Conference race is as tight as ever, and as a vet, Kleber knows better than most that the work is far from done.

“I think the best thing for us is to just block out the noise from outside because we know what we got to focus on, what we got to do, and keep our composure,” Kleber said. “But obviously, having two wins like that obviously helps for the team chemistry, for like everything for the flow.

“But we know that we got to continue building on this now.”

Kleber’s qualities are exactly what teams want every player to have. He always brings that same level of passion, hustle and will to win regardless of his role.

On Sunday, his influence was obvious, and whether Lakers fans see it nightly or not, his impact is palpable.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Dolphins offseason buzz – The Splash Zone 3/2/26

We are a week away from the beginning of NFL Free Agency and we got a few rumors about the Miami Dolphins from the NFL Combine this past weekend. It sounds like QB Tua Tagovailoa will not be with the team much longer as the team is expected to release him by the third day of the league year and designate him as post June-1st cut. The Dolphins are also expected to make an offer to Malik Willis, but with the hit they are going to take from Tua’s contract this option doesn’t seem too likely. That means Quinn Ewers is viewed as the backup plan and the Dolphins may have to find a cheap vet option to add to the quarterback room.

Among other things, extensions for RB De’Von Achance, C Aaron Brewer, and LB Jordyn Brooks are also expected to be worked on as the new regime views them as key building blocks for the rebuild this team is about to go through.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

What to Make of the Dolphins-Related Combine Whispers and Reports
The Miami Dolphins are a team to watch as the new league year gets closer

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Dolphins Tight Ends

Three 2026 NFL Draft tight ends you should start giving the Dolphins in your mock drafts more after the NFL Combine
These three tight ends need to be taken seriously as fits for the Dolphins.

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Dolphins Offensive Line

One of the Dolphins’ best insurance policies of 2025 may be priced out of the equation in free agency this month
“In position for low-end starter money”.

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Dolphins Defensive Line

Three 2026 NFL Draft EDGE defenders you should start giving the Dolphins in your mock drafts more after the NFL Combine
These three EDGE defenders need to be taken seriously as fits for the Dolphins.

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Dolphins Secondary

Three 2026 NFL Draft defensive backs you should start giving the Dolphins in your mock drafts more after the NFL Combine
These DBs from the 2026 NFL Draft that should be mocked more to the Dolphins.

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Phinsider News You May Have Missed

Dolphins grade well in NFLPA report cards – The Splash Zone 2/28/26
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

Dolphins free agents 2026: Walk, tag, re-sign – Elijah Campbell
Continuing our look at the soon-to-be free agents from the Miami Dolphins. What should the team do with defensive back Elijah Campbell this year?

Miami Dolphins Fans Share What Scares Them The Most
We ask Miami Dolphins fans what about this offseason scares them or concerns them the most.

Dolphins to work on extensions for key players
De’Von Achane, Jordyn Brooks and Aaron Brewer are key extension candidates for Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: To Trade Down Or Not To Trade Down Edition
We ask Dolphins fans what their take is on the idea of trading down from the 11th spot in the first round of the draft.

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Warriors likely headed for NBA play-in tournament after Lakers loss

Warriors Gary Payton Jr.

SAN FRANCISCO — If they hadn’t already, the Warriors can probably kiss any hopes they had of avoiding the play-in tournament goodbye.

Golden State looked listless, lackadaisical and downright lost at times Saturday night against the team it would have to chase down to secure anything higher than the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

The Warriors quickly fell into a double-digit hole against the Lakers and never recovered in a lopsided 129-101 loss. In front of a national television audience, they fell behind by as many as 32 points — 17 just in the first quarter — and never cut the deficit to single digits.

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos, center, moves the ball between Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (12) and guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) AP

The loss means the Warriors trail the Lakers by 4.5 games with 22 to play and would need to win their final meeting April 9 just to even the season series at two games apiece.

“It’s a lot. It’s a lot to make up in 22 games,” coach Steve Kerr acknowledged.

Steph Curry (knee) missed his 10th consecutive game, Kristaps Porzingis (illness) was ruled out shortly before tipoff and what was left of the Warriors’ starting five crumbled against the Lakers’ Big 3.

LeBron James (22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds), Luka Doncic (26 points, eight assists, six rebounds) and Austin Reaves (18 points) had all checked out for the final time by the midpoint of the fourth quarter and still individually bested the Warriors’ top scorer, Gui Santos (14).

Rookie Will Richard added to the Warriors’ injury woes, rolling his ankle and leaving the game in the second quarter.

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, left, speaks to Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, right, after an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) AP

Only more miles will be required to be put on the Warriors’ aging and ailing group the further they fall in the standings. As the No. 8 seed as it currently stands, they would need to either beat the seventh-seeded Suns on the road or prevail in a second play-in contest against the Trail Blazers or Clippers, who have the Nos. 9 and 10 spots all but locked down.

After the loss, the Warriors trail the Suns by three games for the No. 7 seed with a 2.5-game cushion on the Blazers in the No. 9 spot.

“We don’t even talk about it,” Kerr said. “That’s not anything that is worth discussing because we just have to try to go out there and win and see what happens.”

The Warriors emerged from the play-in last season to upset the Rockets in the first round. But the veteran group said the pedal-to-the-metal final two months of the season, including the play-in win, caught up to them as Curry went down injured and they lost to the Timberwolves in five games the following round.

Making matters more complicated, Golden State is already without Jimmy Butler for the rest of the season and is unsure when Curry will be cleared to return. The team is set to provide an update on his right knee Sunday, but Curry reportedly suffered a setback over the All-Star break and the ailment commonly known as runner’s knee already has a varying timetable.

In an interview with ESPN during the game, Curry said he expects it is “going to be a little longer” before he is cleared to return. Golden State hosts the Clippers on Monday.

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Golden Nuggets: The 49ers march toward a new season

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Christian McCaffrey #23 after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field on November 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Would WR Mike Evans be a ‘perfect’ free-agent signing for 49ers?
“Evans made $20.5 million per year during his most recent contract with the Buccaneers, and it’s unclear if he’d want a similar deal. He’ll be 33 in August and is coming off a season in which he missed half the games due to various injuries. Evans had tallied at least 1,000 receiving yards in 11 consecutive seasons before 2025. For what it’s worth, Spotrac projects Evans’ contract to be for about two years and $26.6 million, which is certainly within the 49ers’ range.”  

49ers NFL Combine Watch: Defensive Backs and Tight Ends Risers and Fallers
“Kenyon Sadiq delivered one of the most eye-catching performances of the day, reportedly running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash — elite speed for the position. His athletic profile creates mismatch potential at the receiving tight end position.”

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