LeBron James closes in on NBA record, Lakers falls to Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS(AP) — When LeBron James was pulling up his dribble to float analley-oop pass to Anthony Davis, or diving into the stands in anattempt to regain the ball for the Lakers, he appeared far moreconcerned with immediate team goals than making NBA history.

Yet, afternearly 40 minutes on the court, James couldn’t stop Los Angelesfrom losing ground in the standings, even as he gained on KareemAbdul-Jabbar’s scoring mark.

James moved36 points away from breaking the NBA career scoring record in theLakers’ 131-126 loss to New Orleans on Saturday night that endedthe Pelicans’ losing streak at 10 games.

“I justwant to win,” James said. “You know, you play the game the rightway and see what happens.”

James had27 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists as he continuedto close in on Abdul-Jabbar’s record total of 38,387 points.

“I’m tiredas hell,” James said, but added, “I’ll be ready to go on Tuesday,”when the Lakers play next.

BrandonIngram had his best game since returning 10 days earlier from anearly two-month injury absence, scoring 35 points for the Pelicanson an array of drives and jumpers, sometimes in heavy traffic as hewas fouled.

CJ McCollumhad 23 points, highlighted by a late 3 to help New Orleans closeout the final 3:14 on a 9-5 run that kept the Lakers at bay.

“We justcontinued to attack across the board,” said Pelicans coach WillieGreen, whose team won for just the fourth time in 19 games. “Everyguy on our team that touched the floor came in and played withforce and played with confidence. That is what is going to take forus to get over the hump.”

AnthonyDavis had 34 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers. They led by 12when James’ finger role made it 84-72 in the third quarter.

ThePelicans chipped away and closed the period with five quick pointson McCollum’s transition floater and Jose Alvarado’s 3 after hecaught a deflected inbound pass.

Thatsequence cut the Lakers’ advantage to 106-103, and New Orleanssurged in front when Trey Murphy hit back-to-back 3s, the secondfrom 27 feet, to make it 114-108.

The gameremained tight thereafter, but the Pelicans didn’t allow LosAngeles to regain the lead.

Murphyfinished with 21 points and Alvarado 18.

JonasValanciunas had 18 points and 14 rebounds for New Orleans but leftlate in the third quarter with a right knee injury and did notreturn.

RussellWestbrook scored 15 points but did not play during the final 11minutes.

“Whateverdecision they make, that’s up to them,” Westbrook said, brushingoff questions about the possibility of being shipped out of LosAngeles before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. “I’ve been all in sinceDay 1. I’m very supportive of my teammates. I compete everynight.

“Whateverdecision that they make, I’ll make sure I’m very professional likeI always have been and always will be,” Westbrook added.

James saidtrade deadline rumors should not distract the Lakers from what theyneed to do to win games.

“Itshouldn’t be an issue. The trade deadline happens every singleyear,” James said. “You go out and focus, no matter what happens.You’re still a professional.”

And whileJames said he didn’t want to speak for the Lakers’ front officeabout possible trades, he didn’t quibble with the notion that KyrieIrving, who has requested a trade and won a title with James inCleveland, could help the Lakers.

“That’s a‘duh’ question when talking about a player like that,” Jamessaid.

TIP-INS

Lakers:Went 2-3 during their five-game road trip that concluded in NewOrleans and came in 12-16 on the road overall. ... Davis wasplaying in his third straight game and for the fifth time in sixgames since missing 20 games with a right foot injury. He reached20 points for the 26th time in 30 games played this season and 30points for the 11th time. ... Got 43 bench points including 13 fromTroy Brown Jr. and 11 from Lonnie Walker.

Pelicans:Larry Nance Jr. had 10 points and nine rebounds. ... Have given upat least 70 first-half points in two straight. ... Shot 52% (52 of100) for the game despite going 9 of 30 from deep, missing 11straight 3s during the first half.

WARM WELCOME

Fanscheered James during introductions and when he scored, particularlyafter his end-to-end transition dunk in the third quarter. In thefourth, when James dove into the stands chasing the ball, fanspatted him on the back supportively as he lay across them andhelped him up.

UPNEXT

Lakers:Host Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.

Pelicans:Host Sacramento on Sunday night.