The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just beat the New Orleans Pelicans—they dismantled them. On , at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the Lakers rolled to a 118-104 victory, turning what was expected to be a tough road game into a statement performance. Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ sharp-shooting guard, dropped a game-high 31 points, while Luka Dončić delivered a masterclass in playmaking with 24 points and 12 assists. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, already struggling, fell to a league-worst 2-10, extending their losing streak to four games and sinking deeper into the NBA’s cellar.
A Dominant Start Set the Tone
It was over before halftime. The Lakers opened the game with a blistering 35-point first quarter—their highest-scoring opening frame of the season—while holding the Pelicans to just 25. That early surge wasn’t luck. It was precision. Reaves hit three straight mid-range jumpers in the first five minutes, and Dončić, looking more like a conductor than a point guard, found open shooters with behind-the-back passes that left defenders stumbling. By the end of the first, the Lakers had already matched their season average in points before the clock hit 10 minutes.Double-Doubles and Defensive Pressure
The Lakers didn’t just score—they controlled the game’s rhythm. In the first half alone, they recorded two double-doubles: Dončić with 18 points and 10 assists, and Reaves with 19 points and 10 rebounds. That’s more than the entire Pelicans team had managed all season—just three double-doubles total before tip-off. Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ offense looked disjointed. Trey Murphy III, their only consistent scorer, poured in 35 points, but he was often isolated against double teams. The rest of the team? Just 69 points combined. The Lakers’ defensive rotations were textbook: help on drives, closeouts on threes, and relentless ball pressure that forced 18 turnovers.Leadership in Chaos
Dončić, now in his third season with the Lakers after a blockbuster trade from Dallas, looked every bit the franchise cornerstone. His 12 assists weren’t just numbers—they were opportunities created for others. He found Jarred Vanderbilt for a thunderous dunk, set up Reaves with a no-look pass in transition, and even drew three defenders before dishing to a wide-open D’Angelo Russell for a corner three. "He sees things before they happen," said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham after the game. "It’s not just skill. It’s anticipation. That’s rare." Reaves, meanwhile, was the quiet assassin. He didn’t need the spotlight. He just kept knocking down shots—7-of-14 from the field, 4-of-7 from deep—and made the Pelicans pay for every switch. His 31 points were the most he’s scored since joining the Lakers, and his composure down the stretch, especially when New Orleans cut the lead to 10 with four minutes left, was the difference.
Pelicans’ Struggles Deepen
For the Pelicans, this wasn’t just another loss. It was a mirror. They’re now 8 games behind the Houston Rockets, who lead the Southwest Division at 8-3. Their roster, once promising with Zion Williamson expected back in December, now looks like a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Alvarado, Eaton, and Vando—all role players—combined for just 18 points. No one else scored more than 12. The team’s offensive rating? 102.5—the worst in the NBA. Their defense? Even worse. They’ve allowed 115+ points in seven of their last eight games.What This Means for the Season
The Lakers’ win pushed them to 9-4, second in the Pacific Division behind the Phoenix Suns (8-5). But more importantly, it confirmed what many suspected: this is a playoff-caliber team. With Dončić orchestrating, Reaves heating up, and veteran big man Anthony Davis still averaging 21 points and 9 rebounds, they’re built for the long haul. Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ 2-10 record all but guarantees them a top-5 draft pick in June—unless they trade away their future for short-term fixes. The front office is reportedly considering a fire sale before the trade deadline, with Murphy III, the team’s lone bright spot, already drawing interest from multiple contenders.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers next face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday in a rematch of their November 10 thriller. The Pelicans? They head to Memphis to face the Grizzlies—another team with playoff aspirations—on Friday night. If New Orleans can’t find answers by then, their season may already be over. For now, the Lakers are rolling. And in the Western Conference, where every win matters, that’s everything.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Austin Reaves’ performance compare to his previous games this season?
Reaves’ 31-point outing was his career-high in a Lakers uniform and his first 30-point game since joining the team in 2024. Before this game, his season average was 17.4 points per game. His efficiency—7-of-14 from the field and 4-of-7 from three—was also a season-best, showing he’s evolving into a true offensive weapon alongside Dončić.
Why is Luka Dončić’s playmaking so critical to the Lakers’ success?
Dončić’s 12 assists tied his season high and marked his sixth double-double in 13 games. He’s averaging 9.8 assists per game this season—the highest among all Lakers guards since Magic Johnson. His ability to draw multiple defenders and find open shooters transforms the Lakers from a one-man show into a dynamic offense that ranks fifth in the NBA in assists per game.
What’s the significance of the Pelicans’ 2-10 record?
A 2-10 record through 12 games puts the Pelicans on pace for one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Only the 2016-17 team (21-61) and 2017-18 team (35-47) had worse early-season records. With a top-five pick all but locked in, the focus is shifting to rebuilding—potentially trading away Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones for future assets before the February deadline.
How does this win affect the Lakers’ playoff chances?
The Lakers are now 9-4, one game behind the Suns for the Pacific Division lead. With a top-4 seed in the West likely, they’re on track for a favorable first-round matchup. Their net rating (+7.2) ranks eighth in the league, and their depth—especially with Davis and Reaves both playing at All-Star levels—makes them legitimate contenders. A win like this against a struggling team proves they can close out games under pressure.
Was there any controversy or injury concerns from the game?
No major injuries were reported, though Pelicans guard Herb Jones left briefly in the third quarter with a sore ankle but returned. The Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell played 34 minutes despite a lingering hamstring tweak, and coach Ham confirmed he’ll be monitored closely before Saturday’s game. No ejections or flagrant fouls occurred, making this a clean, physical game without drama.
When is the next matchup between the Lakers and Pelicans?
The teams are scheduled to meet again on December 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. That game could be pivotal: if the Pelicans are still struggling, it may be another blowout. But if they’ve made mid-season adjustments, it could signal a turning point—or a final nail in the coffin for their playoff hopes.
