Overview
The Los Angeles Lakers took control late in the first half and never looked back, cruising to a 118-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in an NBA Cup game on Friday night. The win showcased a balanced attack headlined by stellar performances from Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, and Deandre Ayton, delivering a performance that should energize Los Angeles as the season progresses.
Reaves Stays Efficient, Drops 31
Austin Reaves continued his strong play, pouring in 31 points and providing a steady scoring punch whenever the Lakers needed it. His night featured a mix of timely three-pointers, drives to the rim, and efficient shot-making that helped sustain the Lakers’ momentum through periods where the Pelicans fought back. Reaves’ leadership on the floor translated into confident possessions for Los Angeles, setting the tone for a balanced offensive attack.
Dončić Leads with Playmaking and Scoring
Luka Dončić flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 24 points and 12 assists as he ran the Lakers’ offense with his signature poise. Dončić created open looks for teammates and exploited gaps in the Pelicans’ defense, mixing pick-and-roll action with off-ball movement. His ability to stretch the floor and distribute the ball was a key factor in the Lakers’ night, providing a reliable engine for their offense as Deandre Ayton dominated in the midrange and at the rim.
Ace in the Paint: Ayton Dominates Efficiently
Deandre Ayton was exceptionally efficient, hitting 10 of 11 shots and finishing with a high-impact performance around the basket. Ayton’s efficiency sealed many Lakers possessions and gave them a reliable counter to the Pelicans’ interior presence. His performance demonstrated how the pairings in the frontcourt can be versatile, allowing Los Angeles to space the floor while still attacking the rim with purpose.
Team Defense and Pace
Beyond the individual accolades, the Lakers displayed cohesion on the defensive end, contesting shots and limiting second-chance opportunities for New Orleans. The disciplined defense allowed the Lakers to push the pace when beneficial and settle into half-court sets when needed. By maintaining a steady rhythm on both ends, Los Angeles kept the Pelicans from gaining a sustained offensive rhythm and controlled the game from mid-1st quarter onward.
What This Means Going Forward
The Lakers benefited from a well-rounded approach, with Reaves providing scoring consistency, Dončić orchestrating the offense, and Ayton serving as a high-efficiency finisher. This trio, complemented by strong contributions from role players, gives Los Angeles a blueprint for success in NBA Cup play and the regular season. With guard play, interior presence, and reliable shooting on the wings, the Lakers appear poised to compete at a high level as the campaign progresses.
Conclusion
Friday night’s win underscored the Lakers’ depth and star power. Reaves, Dončić, and Ayton combined for a productive night that overwhelmed the Pelicans and provided a glimpse of the team’s potential chemistry. If this trio can maintain their synergy alongside strong supporting contributions, Los Angeles will be a purposeful force in pursuing postseason ambitions.
