The Lakers didn’t need LeBron James on the floor to keep their momentum alive — and Sunday night proved exactly that.
Behind a blistering performance from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers powered past the injury-hit New Orleans Pelicans 133-121 at Crypto.com Arena, extending their win streak to seven games and reinforcing their status as one of the league’s hottest teams.
Doncic delivered another sensational outing with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Reaves nearly matched him with 33 points and eight assists. With James sidelined due to left foot injury management, the duo carried the scoring load with ease.
Their connection has grown rapidly, something Doncic credited to simply “being good basketball players,” as he put it postgame.
The Lakers improved to 15-4 with the victory, keeping the pace in the Western Conference while navigating James’ limited availability. The 40-year-old star has appeared in only four games this season after missing the first 14 due to sciatica, and the team continues to monitor his workload carefully. Head coach JJ Redick emphasized that organizing back-to-back availability for James remains a work in progress.
Los Angeles came out firing from the opening tip, scoring a season-high 46 points in the first quarter and tying their highest-scoring half of the season with 77 by halftime. Given New Orleans’ long injury list — headlined by Zion Williamson’s absence with a left hamstring issue — the Lakers took full advantage.
Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 12 rebounds, though he briefly left the game late in the fourth after a minor knee bump. He later confirmed he intends to play in Monday’s matchup against Phoenix, his former team.
The Pelicans, now 3-18, struggled to keep pace without key contributors, while the Lakers continued to look sharp on both ends despite missing their biggest star.
Los Angeles returns to the court Monday against the Phoenix Suns, though James’ status remains uncertain.
❓ FAQs
1. Why did LeBron James miss the game against the Pelicans?
He sat out due to left foot injury management as the team closely monitors his workload.
2. How many points did Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves score?
Doncic scored 34 points, and Reaves added 33.
3. What is the Lakers’ current record?
The Lakers improved to 15-4 after the win.
4. Will Deandre Ayton play in the next game?
Ayton said he expects to be available against the Suns despite a minor knee issue.
5. What is the Pelicans’ injury situation?
New Orleans was without several starters, including Zion Williamson, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.
