Despite failing to earn a much-needed win against the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James notched another accomplishment, as he's now tenth in the all-time assists leaderboard.

James finished with 12 assists against the Pelicans in an impressive stat line that also saw him score 27 points, grab four rebounds, and get four steals. Still, it wasn't enough as the Lakers fell to New Orleans, 128-115.

Brandon Ingram led the Lakers with 29 points, five boards, and three assists while Kyle Kuzma finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven dimes.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
Thunder news: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·

Jrue Holiday had 27 points and seven assists for the Pelicans, while Julius Randle punished his former team down low and ended up with 24 points and five rebounds. But the difference maker for New Orleans were reserves Cheick Diallo and Ian Clark, who finished with 18 and 17 points, respectively. The former also had 10 boards.

The Lakers' chances of making the playoffs are getting smaller every game, and a loss against the Pelicans, who played without Anthony Davis, could prove to be a serious blow to their postseason aspirations.

As impressive as LeBron has been, all his efforts will be put to waste if the Lakers don't make the playoffs this season.

Los Angeles still has 23 games left, and most of them will be against some of the worst teams in the league. The Lakers will have a game against the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Pelicans anew. If they can't win these games, then they would be on early vacation come April.