The Los Angeles Lakers have reached the tournament final after an impressive performance from LeBron James, who scored 30 points in a 133-89 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Lakers were in control from the start of the game, leading by as many as 30 points in the first half. James was the star of the show, shooting 11-of-18 from the field and 8-of-10 from the free throw line. He also had seven assists, five rebounds and two steals in the victory.
The Lakers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with five players scoring in double figures. Anthony Davis had 22 points and nine rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma added 14 points and six rebounds. Rajon Rondo had 13 points and seven assists, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 11 points and four rebounds.
The Pelicans were unable to keep up with the Lakers’ offensive onslaught, shooting just 33.3 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range. Jrue Holiday led the way for New Orleans with 20 points and seven assists, while Brandon Ingram had 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Lakers will now face the Denver Nuggets in the tournament final. Denver has been impressive in the tournament so far, with Nikola Jokic leading the way with an average of 24.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.
It will be an exciting matchup between two of the best teams in the NBA. The Lakers will be looking to win their first tournament title since 2010, while the Nuggets will be looking to win their first tournament title since 2009. It should be a great game and one that could go down to the wire.