Lakers Crush Pelicans 118-104 as Reaves Drops 31, Dončić Delivers 24-Point, 12-Assist Masterclass

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just win — they dominated. On November 14, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the Lakers rolled past the New Orleans Pelicans 118-104 in a performance that felt less like a game and more like a statement. Austin Reaves exploded for 31 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Luka Dončić orchestrated the offense with 24 points and 12 assists, turning the floor into his personal playground. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III fought valiantly for New Orleans with 35 points, but even his best wasn’t enough to stop the Lakers’ momentum.

A First Quarter Statement

The Lakers didn’t ease into this one. They came out swinging — and by the time the first quarter ended, they’d already built a 35-25 lead. That’s not just good offense; that’s surgical precision. Reaves hit his first three-pointer with 4:12 left, then followed it with a step-back jumper over two defenders. Dončić, meanwhile, wasn’t even trying to score — he was setting up everyone else. His behind-the-back pass to Jackson Hayes for a layup had the crowd murmuring. By the end of the quarter, the Lakers had outrebounded the Pelicans 14-8 and forced five turnovers. This wasn’t luck. It was execution.

Dončić’s Playmaking, Reaves’ Fire

Dončić shot just 6-of-16 from the field — but who cares? He had 12 assists. That’s the kind of stat that doesn’t show up on highlight reels but wins championships. He found Reaves cutting baseline three times in the third quarter alone. One sequence, with 6:18 left in the third, saw him fake a drive, draw three defenders, then flip a no-look pass to a wide-open Reaves in the corner. Swish. The crowd groaned. The Lakers bench stood up.

Reaves, meanwhile, was a force of nature. He didn’t just score — he scored when it mattered. His 31 points came in bursts: 12 in the first, 9 in the third, 10 in the fourth. He shook off Labria — New Orleans’ defensive specialist — twice in the final minutes, draining jumpers that felt like dagger shots. He didn’t just play well. He played like he owned the floor.

Pelicans’ Struggles Deepen

Trey Murphy III’s 35 points were a bright spot, but they were also a mirror. They reflected how much the Pelicans are relying on one player to carry them. He took 22 shots. His teammates? Combined for 69 points — and 24 of those came from bench players who barely played in the first half. The Pelicans’ offense stalled in the second and fourth quarters, going a combined 9-of-31 from three-point range. Their defense? Nonexistent. They let Reaves get open looks. They lost track of Dončić on screens. They gave up 30+ points in three quarters. It’s not just losing — it’s losing with a pattern.

After the game, Pelicans head coach Willie Green admitted, "We’re missing structure. We’re missing leadership. We’re missing the kind of poise that comes with winning." It’s been four straight losses. They’re now 2-10, 6.5 games out of first in their division. The next game is tomorrow — and they’re still at home.

Lakers’ Rise Continues

The Lakers, on the other hand, are 9-4. They’re sitting atop the Pacific Division, ahead of the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. What’s remarkable isn’t just the record — it’s the consistency. They’ve won seven of their last eight games. Their bench outscored New Orleans’ 38-24. They had 28 assists on 43 field goals. Their turnover rate? Just 11 — a season low. And they did it without their starting center, who’s still recovering from a knee sprain.

"We’re starting to play like a team," said Dončić after the game, wiping sweat from his brow. "Not just two stars carrying the load. Everyone’s contributing. That’s how you stay at the top."

What’s Next? A Back-to-Back Showdown

Here’s the twist: the Lakers and Pelicans are playing again — tomorrow. At the same arena. Same court. Same stakes. The Lakers are trying to extend their winning streak to two games. The Pelicans are trying to stop a four-game slide. It’s rare for teams to face off in back-to-back games — especially when one is surging and the other is crumbling. This isn’t just a scheduling quirk. It’s a pressure cooker.

ESPN’s analytics give the Lakers a 78% chance to win again. Why? Because their chemistry is clicking. Because Reaves is heating up. Because Dončić is playing like a MVP candidate. And because the Pelicans? They’re running out of answers.

Behind the Numbers

Let’s break it down:

• First quarter: Lakers 35, Pelicans 25 — the Lakers’ highest-scoring opening frame of the season.
• Reaves’ efficiency: 11-of-21 FG, 3-of-6 from three, 6-of-6 FT — a perfect free throw night.
• Dončić’s assists: 12 total, 8 of them leading to three-pointers.
• Team rebounding: Lakers 47, Pelicans 39 — including 13 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points.
• Turnover differential: Lakers 11, Pelicans 18 — a 7-point edge that turned into 15 Lakers points.

Even the video highlights on YouTube — uploaded by EXTRA14 — show something unusual: the Lakers’ bench cheering louder than usual. Not just for the big plays, but for the little ones. A pass. A screen. A rotated defense. That’s the sign of a team that’s starting to believe.