The Lakers win against the Pelicans to lock up the 7th seed 110-106.

In the Western Conference play-in tournament on Tuesday night, LeBron James recorded 23 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106 on the way to earning a playoff spot. As a result, the Lakers are on their way to facing the defending NBA champion Denver in the first round, which will be a rematch of last season's Western Conference finals, which were won by the Nuggets. Game 1 is Saturday night.

This was Zion Williamson's first NBA postseason appearance, and he had 40 points and 11 rebounds. As soon as Williamson tied the game with a driving layup with 3:19 to play in the game, he left for the locker room, throwing a towel to the floor in disdain as he walked into the tunnel with an apparent injury. He did not return.

The Lakers held off the New Orleans Hornets with James hitting a jumper, Anthony Davis dunking Austin Reaves' lob, DeAngelo Russell hitting a 3 and Davis grabbing an offensive rebound, then made two free throws to secure the win. Davis had 20 points and 15 rebounds. It was Russell who scored 21, hitting five times from deep in the process.

After the game, Pelicans coach Willie Green said Williamson had “left leg soreness.”

The Pelicans will take on the winner of the other West play-in game between Golden State and Sacramento on Friday.

On Friday, the Pelicans will take on the winner of the other West play-in game between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. Hopefully for them Zion will be back and ready to play.