(New Orleans) LeBron James came within 36 points of becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers, however, lost 131-126 to the Pelicans in New Orleans.
Author of 27 points, James approached the mark of 38,387 points of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
James also had nine rebounds and six assists.
Brandon Ingram scored 35 points for the Pelicans, ending a 10-game losing streak.
CJ McCollum added 23 points. He notably had a three-point shot that gave the Pelicans a 125-121 lead, with 3:14 left in the fourth quarter. The club then remained in control.
The Pelicans (27-27) are among several teams in the West looking to keep their place in the qualifying tournament or move up into the top 6.
The Lakers are in 12e place with a 25-29 record.
Anthony Davis provided 34 points and 14 rebounds in a losing cause.
Recovered from a right foot injury, Davis has appeared in five out of six games since it resolved. He was playing his third straight game.
The Lakers’ next game is Tuesday in Los Angeles against OKC (Sportsnet One, 10 p.m.).