First-Half Breakdown: Lakers Flex Depth, Pelicans Struggle to Find Rhythm Without Zion
The Los Angeles Lakers came into Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans riding a six-game win streak, and even without LeBron James in the lineup, they didn’t miss a beat in the first half. With James sitting out for injury management, head coach JJ Redick shuffled the starting five, inserting Gabe Vincent alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. That adjustment paid off early, as the Lakers controlled the tempo and leaned on efficient shooting and ball movement to build a commanding lead by halftime.
On the other side, the Pelicans were already facing an uphill battle. Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III were both ruled out, forcing interim coach James Borrego to roll out a makeshift starting lineup featuring Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, Saddiq Bey, Derik Queen, and Yves Missi. It was a young group, and it showed - particularly on the offensive end.
Lakers: Balanced, Efficient, and Locked In
The Lakers came out firing, shooting a blistering 62.5% from the field (25-for-40) and knocking down 9-of-19 from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic led the way with 22 points in just 19 minutes, showcasing his usual blend of poise and precision. He hit 3-of-6 from deep and added 7 rebounds and 6 assists - a vintage Luka stat line that highlighted his ability to control the game without forcing the issue.
Austin Reaves was right behind him, scoring 18 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Reaves also chipped in 4 assists, continuing to thrive in a secondary playmaker role. His chemistry with Doncic is clearly developing - and fast.
Deandre Ayton made his presence felt in the paint, going 3-of-4 from the floor and a perfect 4-of-4 from the stripe. He added 6 boards and swatted 3 shots, anchoring the Lakers’ interior defense and flashing the kind of two-way impact that makes him such a key piece for this team.
Even with LeBron sidelined, the Lakers’ bench stepped up. Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht combined for 11 points off the bench, while Jaxson Hayes added 6 points and 2 blocks in just 9 minutes.
The Lakers didn’t just hold the line - they extended it. Every player who saw the floor finished with a positive plus-minus in the first half, a testament to how well this unit is clicking right now.
Pelicans: Missing Their Stars, Searching for Answers
Without Zion and Murphy, the Pelicans struggled to find any offensive rhythm. They shot just 38.8% from the field (19-of-49) and were outscored in nearly every statistical category. The starting unit combined for just 37 points, and no player reached double figures in minutes played.
Derik Queen led the team with 11 points, most of which came from the free-throw line (7-of-8), but he shot just 2-of-8 from the field. Saddiq Bey also added 11 points and pulled down 7 rebounds, showing flashes of his versatility, but the Pelicans lacked a true go-to option in the halfcourt.
Jeremiah Fears and Bryce McGowens - both pressed into larger roles - combined for 15 points, but their shooting struggles (a combined 5-of-15) limited their impact. Yves Missi, meanwhile, went scoreless in 9 minutes and had a rough go on both ends of the floor.
The Pelicans' bench didn’t fare much better. Jose Alvarado gave them a brief spark with 7 points on 3-of-6 shooting, and Micah Peavy hit a pair of threes, but the team as a whole couldn’t keep pace with the Lakers’ efficiency. New Orleans turned the ball over six times and managed just 13 assists as a team - a clear sign of their offensive stagnation.
Halftime Takeaways
This was a tale of two teams headed in very different directions - at least through two quarters. The Lakers, even without their franchise cornerstone, looked like a well-oiled machine.
Their ball movement, shot selection, and defensive rotations were all sharp. Luka Doncic continues to look comfortable running the show, and the supporting cast is stepping up in a big way.
For the Pelicans, the absence of Zion Williamson is glaring. They’re missing not just his scoring and physicality, but also the gravitational pull he brings to the offense. Without him, New Orleans is relying on young, unproven talent - and against a veteran team like the Lakers, that’s a tough ask.
There’s still a half of basketball left to play, but if the first two quarters are any indication, the Lakers have no intention of slowing down. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will need someone to step up - and fast - if they want to avoid getting run out of the building.
Stay tuned.