Lakers Claim Seventh Straight Win Against Pelicans Without LeBron

The Los Angeles Lakers secured their seventh consecutive victory, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 133-121 on November 26, 2023. The game, held at Crypto.com Arena, showcased a standout performance from Luka Doncic, who led the way for the Lakers in the absence of LeBron James, who was sidelined due to left foot injury management.

Doncic, who has been a dominant force this season, opened the game strong, contributing a remarkable 20 points in the first quarter. He finished the night with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. The Lakers, now boasting a record of 15-4, capitalized on Doncic’s early scoring, establishing a commanding lead of 46-27 by the end of the first quarter. This performance marked the highest points scored by the Lakers in a single quarter this season and tied for the fifth-most in franchise history.

Teammate Austin Reaves also had an impressive outing, contributing 33 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Deandre Ayton added 22 points along with 12 rebounds and four blocked shots, providing crucial support in the paint. The Lakers dominated the early stages of the game, extending their lead to as much as 26 points at 74-48 late in the second quarter. They entered halftime with a comfortable 77-57 lead.

Despite the strong first half, the second half saw the Lakers lose some momentum defensively. The Pelicans, struggling this season with a record of 3-18, managed to score 74 points in the second half, led by Bryce McGowen with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Saddiq Bey contributed a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while rookie guard Jeremiah Fears added 21 points.

Ayton’s health was a concern late in the game; he requested to be substituted out after a knee-to-knee collision with Pelicans rookie big man Derik Queen. This incident raised alarms, particularly as Ayton had missed a previous game against the Clippers due to a right knee contusion sustained during a win against the Utah Jazz on November 23.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns on November 27, 2023, as they continue their home back-to-back set. The team’s current form is promising, but they will need to maintain their defensive intensity to sustain their winning streak. As the season progresses, the Lakers aim to build on their current success while navigating injuries and maintaining a cohesive team dynamic.