Lakers get a bounce back win against Pelicans
The Lakers got a commanding 118-104 win against the Pelicans after suffering a loss in Oklahoma City a few days prior. Austin Reaves led the way for Los Angeles in scoring, finishing with 31 points. Luka Doncic finished with 24 points and 12 assists, and DeAndre Ayton contributed with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
This was an overall well-rounded team win for the Lakers, with contributions from everyone who touched the floor.
Los Angeles pulled away in the third quarter, which is usually a rough quarter for the team. They held a 22-point lead at one point, and despite the Pelicans making a few runs, Los Angeles did not take their foot off the gas.
THE LAKERS MOVE TO 2-0 IN NBA CUP PLAY WITH A 118-104 WIN IN NEW ORLEANS 😈🔥 pic.twitter.com/OTo8b1364I
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 15, 2025
Team offense
The Lakers as a team shot 52% from the field and went to the free-throw line 26 times. All five starters were in double figures.
Tonight was arguably Ayton’s best game as a Laker. He was dominant in the paint and shot 10-11 for the game. If the offense can be this efficient with LeBron James back in the fold soon, the rest of the league needs to look out.
Great start to the season
Los Angeles has definitely exceeded expectations so far this season. The team has been without James, and Doncic and Reaves have missed some games as well.
Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton have stepped up tremendously when the stars have missed time.
Hachimura has been an unsung hero for this team, averaging 16 points on 57% shooting and 51% from three-point range. He will continue to be in the starting lineup once James returns.
Onto the next one
The Lakers won their first game of a back-to-back and will travel to Milwaukee to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. At this point, we do not know if Doncic and Reaves will play, but the team needs to use the momentum they got from the win tonight and bring that same energy tomorrow night.
