Crossword Genius

Where you’ll find LA: North Dakota? Not true! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pretend

'not true' is the definition.
(pretend can mean make-believe or false)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for pretend that I've seen before include "Imaginary, make-believe" , "Dissemble" , "bluff" , "Suppose" , "keep up appearances" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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