The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t need LeBron James to dominate — they just needed Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton to show up. And they did — emphatically. On Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the Lakers crushed the New Orleans Pelicans 118-104 in an NBA Cup matchup, improving to 2-0 in the tournament while extending New Orleans’ losing streak to 10 games. The win wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. And it came without their two biggest stars.
Doncic Sets the Tone, Ayton Takes Over Inside
Luka Doncic didn’t just play — he orchestrated. He dropped 24 points, dished out 12 assists, and grabbed six rebounds, with 20 of those points coming in the first half alone. His chemistry with Ayton was electric. A third-quarter alley-oop from Doncic to Ayton — a thunderous one-handed flush — didn’t just energize the Lakers bench; it signaled the shift in momentum. Ayton, meanwhile, was a force. His 20 points and 16 rebounds were the definition of interior dominance. He outworked New Orleans’ frontcourt, snatching offensive boards like they were his personal property. The Pelicans had no answer. Not when he was rolling. Not when he was posting up. Not even when they doubled him.But the real surprise? Austin Reaves. The Lakers’ underrated guard went 11-of-13 from the free-throw line — a rare display of composure under pressure — and finished with 31 points and seven assists. He didn’t need flashy moves. He just kept getting to the line. And when the Pelicans made a run in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to eight, Reaves answered with five straight free throws. No hesitation. No panic. Just cold-blooded execution.
The Pelicans’ Fireworks Couldn’t Sustain
Trey Murphy III was the lone bright spot for New Orleans, dropping 35 points on 11-of-21 shooting and grabbing six rebounds. He carried the offense for stretches, especially in the first half when the Lakers’ defense looked sluggish. But even he couldn’t overcome the collective collapse of the Pelicans’ supporting cast. Jeremiah Fears had 19 points and a jaw-dropping eight steals — a testament to his hustle — but he also turned the ball over five times. Saddiq Bey hit two clutch threes late, but it was too little, too late. The Pelicans (2-10) remain stuck in a tailspin, and without Zion Williamson (out with a left hamstring strain), their ceiling feels lower than ever.What’s more alarming? Their inability to close. Down 88-66 after a 11-0 Lakers run in the third quarter, they had a chance to claw back. But they missed open threes. They lost track of Ayton on the boards. They let Reaves walk to the line like he was on a Sunday stroll. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a missed opportunity to prove they’re more than a one-man team.
LeBron’s Absence, Bronny’s Moment
The Lakers played without LeBron James, who remains sidelined with lingering sciatica. Coach JJ Redick confirmed James had done individual work Friday after back-to-back five-on-five sessions with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate. But there’s no rush. “He’s not just coming back to play,” Redick said. “He’s coming back to elevate.”And while LeBron was resting, his son Bronny James was getting his chance — just not against the Pelicans. He didn’t suit up Friday. But the very next night, in a 119-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Bronny made his second career start. He played 10 minutes, went 0-for-2 from the field, but added one rebound, one assist, and one steal. It wasn’t spectacular. But it was meaningful. For a rookie navigating the shadow of his father’s legacy, every minute matters.
What’s Next? The Road Trip Continues
The Lakers, now 9-4 overall, are on a five-game road swing. Their win over New Orleans was a statement — not because they beat a bad team, but because they did it without their best player. The next test? A back-to-back against the Bucks and then the Phoenix Suns. They’ll need more nights like this one from Doncic and Reaves. And they’ll need Ayton to keep playing like an All-Star.Meanwhile, the Pelicans head into Sunday’s game against the Golden State Warriors with more questions than answers. Can they survive without Zion? Can they develop chemistry beyond Murphy? And can they stop giving up 30-point quarters? The answers won’t come quickly.
Behind the Scenes: Thiero’s Return and the Long Road Back
Lakers rookie Adou Thiero, out all season after left knee surgery, was activated Friday but didn’t play. Coach Redick hinted he’d get minutes against the Bucks — and he did. Thiero logged 4:18 in the fourth quarter, grabbed a defensive rebound, and drew a foul. Small steps. But for a player who missed nearly a year, they’re monumental.The Lakers’ roster is becoming a patchwork of veterans, young talent, and guys trying to prove they belong. Doncic is the engine. Reaves is the heartbeat. Ayton is the anchor. And now, Bronny is part of the picture — not as a novelty, but as a player learning his role.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Lakers win without LeBron James?
The Lakers won through balanced scoring and elite execution from Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. Doncic orchestrated the offense with 24 points and 12 assists, Reaves scored 31 points on 11-of-13 free throws, and Ayton dominated the paint with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Their defense forced 18 Pelicans turnovers, and they outscored New Orleans 30-25 in the decisive third quarter — proving they can win without LeBron when their stars step up.
Why didn’t Bronny James play against the Pelicans?
Bronny James was not on the active roster for the November 14 game against the Pelicans, likely due to rotation decisions and coaching strategy. He was activated for the next game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 15, where he started and played 10 minutes, recording one rebound, one assist, and one steal. His absence in New Orleans was not injury-related but a tactical call by coach JJ Redick.
What’s the significance of the NBA Cup for the Lakers’ season?
The NBA Cup, introduced in 2023-24, gives regular-season games added stakes with a tournament structure. For the Lakers, going 2-0 in Cup play boosts morale and provides extra rest days for key players like LeBron James. It also offers a path to a potential prize — a $1 million team bonus — while giving younger players like Bronny James and Adou Thiero high-pressure minutes in meaningful games.
How has Zion Williamson’s absence impacted the Pelicans?
Without Zion Williamson, the Pelicans lack a true offensive focal point. Trey Murphy III is scoring well, but he’s not a playmaker. The team’s offense stagnates in the half-court, and their defense collapses when opponents attack the rim. Since Williamson’s hamstring injury, New Orleans has averaged just 102.3 points per game — down from 115.6 before his absence — and are 0-6 in games where they’ve been outrebounded.
What’s the outlook for Adou Thiero’s return?
Adou Thiero, returning from left knee surgery, is being eased back slowly. He played 4:18 against the Bucks after being activated on November 14, and coach JJ Redick has indicated he’ll see increasing minutes as his conditioning improves. Thiero’s length and defensive potential make him a valuable piece for the Lakers’ second unit, but his role will remain limited until he regains full explosiveness — likely by mid-December.
Can the Lakers maintain this level without LeBron?
For short stretches, yes — but not for the full season. Doncic and Reaves are carrying the load, but the Lakers’ bench depth is thin. Without LeBron’s playmaking and leadership, their transition defense and late-game execution suffer. If James returns healthy before the All-Star break, the Lakers could be contenders. If he’s out longer, they’ll need Ayton to stay elite and Reaves to keep hitting clutch free throws — a tall order over 82 games.
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