LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are using a softer stretch of schedule to build momentum in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles has won two in a row and hosts the New Orleans Pelicans for an extended stay in La-La Land on Tuesday.
James’ offensive outputs have been tempered since the All-Star break, with Los Angeles running into some stronger defensive foes before two blowout wins.
New Orleans is way down the NBA’s defensive metrics, so my Pelicans vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks call for a return to form for “King James”, most notably when it comes to his playmaking.
Pelicans vs Lakers prediction
Pelicans vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 5.5 assists (-150)
This prop bounces between 5.5 and 6.5 assists from LeBron James. And while the lower end of that number carries a hefty -150 ask, projections for the Los Angeles Lakers’ veteran are too good to ignore.
James has dished out six or more dimes just twice in the six post-break outings, with his potential assists slipping from 12.0 pre-break to 8.7 in this current span. That said, the New Orleans Pelicans' defense is dreadful and allows an average of 28 assists.
LeBron’s forecasts range from 6.2 to 7.5 assists, and he handed out eight the last time he faced NOLA.
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Pelicans vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Lakers are actually healthy for once and have a chance to build momentum with a third straight victory. The Pelicans are playing their fourth straight road game and third game in four days.
James’ potential assists took a hit against some tougher defenses post-break (Boston, Orlando, Phoenix), but NOLA is among the worst defensive clubs, and LeBron is pegged for more than seven dimes tonight.
Rui Hachimura is at his best when the L.A. stars are on the floor and drawing extra attention from the defense. He’s forecast for as many as 12 points tonight.
Pelicans vs Lakers SGP
- Lakers moneyline
- James Over 5.5 assists
- Hachimura Over 8.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: The James gang
LeBron went for eight rebounds and eight assists in his last run-in with the Pelicans, and game projections call for “King James” to top those props while powering L.A. to a win and cover in a low-scoring finish (237 points).
Pelicans vs Lakers SGP
- Lakers -8.5
- Under 242.5
- James Over 5.5 assists
- James Over 5.5 rebounds
Pelicans vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Pelicans +8.5 | Lakers -8.5
- Moneyline: Pelicans +280 | Lakers -360
- Over/Under: Over 242.5 | Under 242.5
Pelicans vs Lakers betting trend to know
The L.A. Lakers are 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS versus the New Orleans Pelicans over the last three seasons. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Lakers.
How to watch Pelicans vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | GCSEN, Spectrum SportsNet |
Pelicans vs Lakers latest injuries
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