The Los Angeles Lakers pulled away late to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 118-104 on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans — a win that feels more like a statement than just another regular-season game. This wasn’t just about points on the board. It was about identity. With the 2025 NBA Cup heating up, the Lakers showed they’re not just playing for playoff positioning — they’re playing to win it all.
Dončić’s Masterclass Nearly Completes Triple-Double
Luka Dončić didn’t just show up. He owned the game. The Slovenian phenom finished with 24 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds — a performance that had analysts buzzing and fans on their feet. At the 316-second mark of the official YouTube highlights, the commentator noted, "Eight has one of their double doubles tonight along with Luca," confirming what everyone watching could see: Dončić was orchestrating everything. He missed the triple-double by just three rebounds, but his court vision was surgical. His behind-the-back dime at the 36-second mark? Pure poetry. And when he drove into the lane and kicked out to an open Reaves at the 513-second mark, it wasn’t luck — it was control."He’s healthy, which is a good sign for them," said one sideline reporter during the highlights, referencing his 21-point outing against Denver in late October. That health is critical. After last season’s injury scares, seeing Dončić move like he did — explosive, decisive, unbothered — is as important as the stat line itself.
Austin Reaves Steals the Show — Literally
If Dončić was the conductor, Austin Reaves was the soloist. The Lakers’ guard dropped 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting, adding seven assists and playing with a quiet fury that defined the game’s tone. He didn’t need to force anything. When the Pelicans doubled down on Dončić, Reaves made them pay. His mid-range pull-up with 4:12 left in the third quarter? A dagger. His back-to-back threes in the fourth? A statement. He didn’t celebrate after each one. He just walked back on defense, like he’d done it a hundred times before."He’s the engine when Luka’s resting," said one veteran analyst on the broadcast. And that’s the beauty of this Lakers team now — they don’t rely on one star. They have layers.
Deandre Ayton’s Quiet Dominance
Deandre Ayton didn’t light up the box score like Reaves or Dončić, but his impact was everywhere. He controlled the paint, altered shots, and finished with a dozen or so rebounds — exact numbers weren’t fully detailed, but his presence was undeniable. He moved like a man who’d been waiting for this moment. When the Pelicans tried to post up Zion Williamson’s replacement, Jaxson Hayes, Ayton didn’t just hold his ground — he made him work for every inch. His defensive rotations were textbook. His offensive rebounds? Game-changing."He’s the anchor," said Edwin Garcia of Silverscreenandroll.com in his post-game grading analysis published at 9:34 PM PST. "Without him, this win doesn’t happen. He’s the reason the Lakers could press all the way out on top without getting exposed."
The Defense That Changed the Game
The Lakers didn’t win because they shot better — they won because they changed the rhythm. They pressed from the top, swarmed the perimeter, and forced 14 Pelicans turnovers. At the 100-second mark of the highlights, the broadcast noted they "completely took charge" defensively during a critical 3-minute stretch in the third quarter. Marcus Smart, the veteran defensive specialist, was everywhere. His "open shot conversion" at the 40-second mark wasn’t just a bucket — it was momentum. And when he drove "all the way up" with that little exclamation from Rui Hachimura at 513 seconds, it was clear: this team plays with a chip.They shot 50% from the field overall — efficient, but not explosive. What made the difference? Discipline. Patience. Defense. The Lakers held the Pelicans to 42% shooting in the second half. That’s not a fluke. That’s coaching.
What This Means for the NBA Cup
The 2025 NBA Cup is still young — it began in early November and culminates in Las Vegas in mid-December. But this win puts the Lakers firmly in the driver’s seat. They’re now 3-1 in Cup play, with the toughest stretch still ahead. Their next game? A home showdown against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, November 16, at Crypto.com Arena. The Pelicans, meanwhile, face the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday at FedExForum — a tough road test.Remember: this tournament isn’t just about trophies. It’s about seeding. It’s about confidence. And for a Lakers team that’s been criticized for inconsistency, this was a blueprint.
What’s Next? The Real Test Begins
The Lakers’ bench — led by Jake Laravia, whose defensive hustle led to a key transition bucket at the 93-second mark — showed they can contribute. But the real test comes in back-to-backs, against elite defenses, on the road. Can they replicate this intensity against Golden State? Can they contain Jayson Tatum if they meet Boston in the Cup final?One thing’s clear: this isn’t just about Luka Dončić anymore. It’s about a team that’s finally clicking. Reaves is a star. Ayton is a force. Smart is the glue. And for the first time in years, the Lakers look like they’re playing for something bigger than themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Luka Dončić’s performance compare to his previous games this season?
Dončić’s 24-point, 12-assist, 7-rebound line against the Pelicans was his best all-around game of the 2025 season. His previous high was 21 points against Denver in late October, and he hadn’t recorded a double-double since early November. This was his first game with 12+ assists, and he came within three rebounds of a triple-double — his closest near-miss since joining the Lakers. His efficiency (10-of-20 FG) also marked a significant improvement over his 41% shooting average in prior Cup games.
Why is the NBA Cup important for the Lakers this season?
The NBA Cup gives regular-season games added stakes — and for the Lakers, it’s a chance to build chemistry under pressure. With a championship payout and seeding advantages at stake, winning the Cup could mean home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. More importantly, it’s a confidence builder. After years of playoff disappointments, this team needs tangible wins to prove they’re contenders — and this 14-point road win over a playoff-caliber Pelicans squad is exactly the kind of statement they needed.
What role did Marcus Smart play in the Lakers’ defensive success?
Smart was the catalyst for the Lakers’ perimeter pressure. He led the team in deflections and forced seven steals, including a key one that led to a Reaves fast-break three. His ability to switch onto guards and bigs alike allowed the Lakers to extend their defense without sacrificing interior protection. The "five quick management" play referenced in the highlights — where he caught a pass and drained a three after a quick screen — showed his timing and basketball IQ. He’s not just a defender; he’s a game-changer in transition.
How did Deandre Ayton’s presence affect the Pelicans’ offensive strategy?
Ayton’s size and mobility forced the Pelicans to abandon their preferred inside-out game. They attempted just 18 shots in the paint in the second half — down from 29 in the first — because Ayton altered shots and rotated quickly. Even when he didn’t block a shot, his mere presence in the paint deterred drives. The Pelicans’ leading scorer, Trey Murphy III, shot only 3-of-10 from mid-range because he couldn’t get clean looks. Ayton didn’t need to score 20 to win the game — he just needed to make the other team think twice.
What’s the significance of the Lakers shooting 50% from the field?
Shooting 50% in a road game against a team like the Pelicans — who rank top-10 in defensive efficiency — is rare. It’s the first time this season the Lakers hit that mark on the road. More than the percentage, it’s what it represents: ball movement, patience, and unselfish play. They had 28 assists on 42 field goals, indicating their offense was flowing, not forcing. This wasn’t a hot streak — it was a system working. And if they can maintain that efficiency in back-to-backs, they’ll be one of the toughest teams to beat in the West.
When is the next major test for the Lakers in the NBA Cup?
The Lakers’ next major test comes on November 20, 2025, against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena — a rematch of their October showdown where Dončić scored 21. That game will be the first true measure of whether this Lakers team can compete with elite Western Conference contenders. A win would put them in prime position for a top-four Cup finish and a likely home game in the semifinals. A loss? It would expose some lingering concerns about consistency under pressure.