Lakers Handle Business Without LeBron, Cruise Past Pelicans 133-121
No LeBron James. No Marcus Smart. And still, it didn’t matter.
The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t blink without two of their key veterans on Sunday, jumping all over the New Orleans Pelicans early and never really letting up. Behind a blistering 46-point first quarter - their highest-scoring frame of the season - and 77 first-half points, the Lakers built a 20-point cushion by halftime and kept the Pelicans at arm’s length the rest of the way in a 133-121 win.
Yes, New Orleans made a push, trimming the lead to 11 at one point. But the Lakers never looked rattled. They controlled the pace, dictated the physicality, and played with a confidence that said, “We’ve got this,” even without their biggest star.
Let’s break down how they did it - and who stepped up.
Team-Wide Control, Even Without the Stat Sheet Edge
On paper, this could’ve been a different story. The Pelicans actually shot a better percentage from the field (50.5% to the Lakers’ 48.3%), outscored L.A. in the paint by 16, and had the edge in fast-break points, 20-12. But the Lakers made up ground - and then some - with their physicality and discipline.
They attempted nearly twice as many free throws as New Orleans and protected the rim with authority, tallying 10 blocks. Just as important: they only coughed up the ball nine times. That kind of efficiency and rim protection is how you win games when you’re missing your floor general and defensive anchor.
Now sitting at 15-4, the Lakers remain firmly planted in second place in the Western Conference.
Player Grades & Analysis
Gabe Vincent: B
Starting in LeBron’s place, Vincent didn’t try to do too much - and that worked in the Lakers’ favor.
He knocked down two of four from deep, finished with six points, and chipped in four assists, two boards, and a steal in 25 minutes. Solid, steady, and didn’t overextend.
That’s exactly what you want from a fill-in starter.
Rui Hachimura: B-
Hachimura’s shooting wasn’t sharp - 6-of-14 overall and just 2-of-8 from three - but he still gave the Lakers 14 points in 34 minutes.
He’s continued to be a reliable secondary scorer, even when the shot isn’t falling. The rebounding was light (just two), but his presence as a floor spacer and willing shooter kept New Orleans honest.
Deandre Ayton: A
This is the version of Deandre Ayton that turns heads.
He was a force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Ayton scored 22 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting, hit all eight of his free throws, and added 12 rebounds and four blocks.
He also picked up an assist and did all this in just 27 minutes.
What stood out most was his aggression - something that’s been inconsistent in the past. He actively sought contact, got to the line, and protected the rim like a true anchor. This was a No. 1 pick kind of performance.
Austin Reaves: A
Reaves was electric.
He poured in 33 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep and 11-of-12 at the line. And it wasn’t just the scoring - it was how he did it.
He attacked off the dribble, got to the rim at will, and either finished or drew contact. He’s added a layer to his game this season, getting by defenders with more consistency and confidence.
He also dished out eight assists, grabbed five rebounds, and added a steal and a block. Yes, the five turnovers were a blemish, but his overall impact was undeniable. The Pelicans had no answer for him.
Luka Doncic: B+
Doncic came out on fire - 20 points in the first quarter alone - but the Pelicans adjusted.
They started trapping him on the perimeter, and his rhythm cooled. He managed just two points in the second quarter and went 3-of-13 from the field after the opening frame.
Still, he finished with a game-high 34 points, thanks in part to a 12-of-14 showing at the free throw line. He also logged seven assists, 12 rebounds, a steal, and a block.
Even when his shot wasn’t falling, Doncic found ways to impact the game. That said, the efficiency dip after the first quarter kept this from being a signature outing.
Jake LaRavia: C
LaRavia was more aggressive than usual, which is a good sign, but the results didn’t follow.
He shot just 4-of-14 from the field and 2-of-7 from three. Still, his willingness to look for his own shot forced the defense to respect him, which opened things up for others.
He finished with 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block in 26 minutes. The production was uneven, but the mindset was encouraging.
Jaxson Hayes: A
Hayes continues to thrive in his role as the Lakers’ backup big.
He made all four of his shots, scored eight points, pulled down six rebounds, and blocked two shots in 21 minutes. He also handed out a pair of assists.
He’s playing within himself, protecting the rim, and finishing efficiently - exactly what L.A. needs from him off the bench.
Dalton Knecht: C-
Knecht got 17 minutes thanks to the absences of James and Smart, but didn’t make a huge impact.
He scored four points on 1-of-4 shooting, with two assists, one rebound, and a block. The effort was there, but the rhythm wasn’t.
Still, it’s valuable experience for the rookie.
Maxi Kleber: C-
Kleber played 13 minutes and didn’t attempt a field goal, scoring two points from the line and grabbing one rebound. Not much to take away here - a quiet night in a limited role.
Adou Thiero: Incomplete
Thiero saw just three minutes of action but did come away with a steal. Not enough time to evaluate, but the energy was noticeable.
Bottom Line
This was a statement win for the Lakers - not because it was a marquee matchup, but because of how they responded without their leader. They imposed their will early, leaned on their depth, and got big-time performances from Reaves and Ayton.
Good teams find ways to win when they’re short-handed. Great teams make it look routine. The Lakers are starting to look like the latter.