James and Doncic each score 30 to help the Lakers hold off the Pelicans 111-103

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — LeBron James scored 30 points, Luca Doncic capped his 30-point, 10-assist performance with a pair of off-balance, bail-out 3s as the shot clock wound down, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the reeling New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Tuesday night.

Deandre Ayton had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who won for the fourth time in their past five games while sending the Pelicans to their eighth straight loss.

Trey Murphy scored a career-high 41, Zion Williamson scored 15 points and rookie Derik Queen had 10 points and 13 rebounds for New Orleans, which led by as many as nine points late in the third quarter.

The Lakers opened the fourth quarter on a 18-4 run that included two deep 3s by James, a 3 by Dalton Knecht and a pair of baskets in the paint by Ayton. The surge put Los Angeles up 97-90 and the Pelicans could not get closer than four after that.

Neither team led by more than seven until Karlo Matkovic's free throws gave New Orleans an 83-74 lead late in the third quarter.

James' three free throws and breakaway dunk quickly trimmed the Lakers' deficit to four before Murphy, who had 20 points in the third quarter, hit a driving reverse scoop as he was fouled to make it 86-79 heading to the final period.

Herb Jones, returning from a right ankle injury that has sidelined him seven games, struggled with his shooting, missing eight of nine shots. The Pelicans missed five of their 18 free throws, with Williamson missing four.

The Lakers also finished shooting 50.6% (43 of 85). The Pelicans shot 44% (40 of 91) and missed 30 of the 40 3-pointers they attempted.

Both clubs play on Wednesday night, when the Lakers visit the San Antonio Spurs and the Pelicans visit the Atlanta Hawks.

AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (3) passes around Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson shoots against center/Los Angeles Lakers forward Jaxson Hayes and forward/guard Luka Dončić (77) and forward Jake Laravia during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III makes a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Dončić (77) reacts during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks next to New Orleans Pelicans guard Micah Peavy (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol agreed to a $2.8 million, one-year contract Wednesday, the same amount he earned in 2024.

The 27-year-old Graterol avoided salary arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2026 season. He had surgery in November 2024 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and missed the 2025 season.

He's pitched in just seven games since the start of 2024. He also missed time that year with shoulder inflammation and a hamstring strain.

Graterol has a career record of 11-9 with a 2.78 ERA and 11 saves.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

FILE -Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol throws against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning in Game 5 of the baseball World Series, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)