The Los Angeles Lakers are finding ways to win - and win big - even without LeBron James in the lineup. On Sunday, they extended their streak to seven straight victories with a 133-121 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, powered by another standout performance from Luka Dončić and a strong showing from Austin Reaves.
Dončić, who has been nothing short of electric during this run, once again took center stage. He logged 35 minutes and delivered a monster stat line: 34 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal, and a block.
That kind of production isn't just impressive - it's historic. With this performance, Dončić matched his own record from 2022 as the fastest player in NBA history to reach 500 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in a single season.
That’s not just a hot start - that’s elite, all-time pace.
But the game wasn’t without its flashpoints. Things nearly boiled over in the second half when Dončić and Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears got into a heated exchange.
After a foul following an initial whistle, the two went nose-to-nose in a standoff that had the arena buzzing. Cooler heads prevailed, but both players were hit with technical fouls.
It wasn’t the only tense moment involving Fears, either. Later in the game, he appeared to irritate Rui Hachimura at the free-throw line, prompting a shove from the Lakers forward.
It was clear the Pelicans rookie wasn’t backing down, but the Lakers weren’t letting anyone throw them off their rhythm.
While Dončić drew the headlines, Deandre Ayton quietly put together one of his best games in a Lakers jersey. The big man finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks - a stat line that speaks to his two-way impact. Ayton has been steadily finding his groove since arriving from Portland this offseason, and his chemistry with Dončić is starting to click in a big way.
After the game, Dončić made sure to give his teammate his flowers. “Like I always say, he’s a big thing for us, big help in us winning the games.
We appreciate him. Keep going.
He’s playing amazing,” Dončić said.
Ayton’s presence in the paint has given the Lakers a new dimension. His ability to protect the rim, rebound, and finish inside is exactly what this team needed to complement Dončić’s perimeter brilliance. And with LeBron sidelined, Ayton’s consistency has become even more valuable.
The Lakers are rolling - seven wins in a row, momentum building, and a roster that’s showing it can win even when its biggest star is out. If this version of Dončić and Ayton keeps showing up, the Lakers might just be scratching the surface of what they can become this season.