Lakers Crush Pelicans Without LeBron as Dončić, Reaves and Ayton Deliver Massive Performances

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just survive without LeBron James — they sent a message.

On Sunday night in New Orleans, LA delivered one of their most explosive offensive games of the season, beating the Pelicans 133–121 in a wire-to-wire road victory powered by their superstar trio.

With LeBron resting due to foot soreness, the spotlight belonged entirely to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, and all three responded with season-defining performances.

🔥 Dončić Sets the Tempo With MVP-Level Control

Luka Dončić once again asserted his dominance, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists while maintaining complete command of the Lakers’ offense. Despite constant defensive pressure, he turned the ball over only twice and dictated the game’s pace from start to finish.

His blend of shot-making, physicality and vision consistently forced New Orleans into mismatches they couldn’t handle.

🚀 Austin Reaves Delivers a Near-Perfect Night

If Dončić set the tone, Reaves detonated it.

The guard erupted for 33 points on elite efficiency, including 4-of-7 from deep, while adding 8 assists and 5 rebounds. His ability to attack the rim, draw fouls and create advantages in the halfcourt made him the most impactful player on the floor, finishing with a team-high +20 plus/minus.

This was one of Reaves’ finest all-around performances of his Lakers career.

🧱 Deandre Ayton Dominates the Paint

Deandre Ayton turned the interior into his personal playground, posting 22 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks on 7-of-9 shooting.

He was flawless at the free-throw line (8-of-8) and didn’t commit a single turnover — a model of efficiency and discipline.

Ayton’s rim protection and control of the glass were central to the Lakers’ defensive success, especially during key momentum swings.

📊 The Trio’s Numbers Were Absurd

Together, Dončić, Reaves and Ayton combined for:

• 89 points
• 25/46 FG (54%)
• 8/19 from three
• 31/32 at the free-throw line

As a team, the Lakers dominated critical categories:

• Free Throws: 34/39 (87%)
• Rebounds: 54–47
• Blocks: 10–1

New Orleans showed balance with five players scoring between 12 and 23 points, but they couldn’t match the Lakers’ firepower or defensive presence.

🔮 Statement Win Without Their Leader

What could’ve been a trap game became a statement of depth and resilience.

Even without LeBron, LA looked poised, connected and deadly — a crucial confidence boost as they continue climbing the Western Conference standings.

📅 Next Game

Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns — December 1, 7:00 PM