Lakers Roll to 118-104 Victory Over Pelicans in NBA Cup Play
The Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 118-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, with standout performances from three stars reshaping the NBA Cup matchup. Austin Reaves poured in 31 points, Luka Dončić flirted with a near triple-double with 24 points and 12 assists, and Deandre Ayton connected on 10 of 11 shots, providing efficient scoring and interior presence that proved too much for New Orleans.
Big Night from Reaves Sets the Tone
Austin Reaves continued his hot stretch, delivering a 31-point night that showcased his scoring versatility and poise. He hit timely jumpers, attacked the paint, and knocked down a pair of triples, helping the Lakers establish early control and maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half. Reaves’ energy and decision-making kept the Lakers offense flowing, even as New Orleans tried to rally in the third quarter.
Dončić Adds Elite Playmaking and Scoring
Luka Dončić filled the stat sheet with 24 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the offense with his familiar creativity. He drew help from teammates with gravity-defying passes and decisive ball movement, and his ability to create offense in clutch moments helped calm any momentum the Pelicans hoped to muster. The performance reinforced Dončić’s two-way impact whenever he shares the floor with a high-efficiency scorer like Ayton.
Ayton’s Efficient Night Sparks the Lakers
Deandre Ayton finished the night 10-for-11 from the field, providing the Lakers with an efficient inside-out threat. His polished post play, screen-setting, and rim finishing created easy opportunities for teammates and helped sustain the Lakers’ scoring pace. Ayton’s high shooting percentage underscored the team’s overall offensive balance and contributed to a defense-dominant performance that limited New Orleans’ chances in key stretches.
Team Performance and Key Moments
LA’s offense clicked in rhythm, with multiple players contributing to ball movement and scoring runs. The Lakers built a comfortable margin early and weathered any Pelicans pushes with disciplined defense and smart shot selection. New Orleans, meanwhile, faced a steady flow of Lakers pressure and could not fully capitalize on attempts to shrink the gap in the middle quarters.
What This Win Means for Both Teams
For the Lakers, the victory strengthens their position in the NBA Cup group stage by showcasing depth and a balanced attack beyond their primary stars. The combination of Reaves’ scoring, Dončić’s playmaking, and Ayton’s efficient finishing provides a blueprint for sustainable offense in high-leverage games. For New Orleans, the loss serves as a reminder of the Stars’ ability to impose rhythm on the floor and the need for a more consistent contribution from the supporting cast to compete in tight matchups.
Looking Ahead
With the NBA Cup schedule continuing, the Lakers will aim to maintain this level of efficiency and defense against upcoming opponents. Dončić’s pairing with Ayton offers a versatile frontcourt dynamic that could unlock different lineups and defensive schemes. Reaves’ consistent scoring effort adds a reliable second unit threat, allowing the team to manage minutes more effectively going forward.
