The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in dramatic fashion on Friday night, November 14, 2025, crushing the New Orleans Pelicans 118-104 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. After a brutal 20-turnover loss to Oklahoma City just two nights prior, the Lakers showed grit, precision, and a renewed edge. And while the basketball world watched for LeBron James’ return, the real story unfolded in the absence of his son—Bronny James, the 19-year-old guard wearing jersey No. 9—who was held out by coach’s decision, a move that sparked quiet debate among fans and analysts alike.
Reaves and Doncic Carry the Load
Austin Reaves didn’t just play—he owned the floor. The Lakers’ shooting guard dropped 31 points on 11-of-13 free throw shooting, including a dagger floater late in the third quarter that capped an 11-0 run and pushed the lead to 22. Luka Doncic, playing point guard for Los Angeles, delivered a near-triple-double: 24 points, 12 assists, and zero turnovers. His calm under pressure was textbook. When the Pelicans cut the lead to eight with eight minutes left, Doncic answered with a 12-foot fadeaway, then watched as Reaves sank five consecutive free throws to seal it.
Deandre Ayton, acquired in the offseason, was a force inside—20 points, 16 rebounds, and relentless defensive presence. He outmuscled New Orleans’ front line, turning the paint into a Lakers stronghold. Rui Hachimura added 14, Marcus Smart 13, and the Lakers outscored the Pelicans 60-52 in the paint. Their fast break points? 22 to 19. They didn’t just win—they dominated the rhythm of the game.
Bronny’s Absence: Coach’s Decision or Caution?
For the second straight game, Bronny James didn’t suit up. Officially, it was listed as “DNP – Coach’s Decision.” No injury. No illness. Just a call from the bench. The move surprised some. After all, Bronny had played 18 minutes in the previous game against Oklahoma City. But here’s the thing: the Lakers weren’t just playing for wins—they were playing for momentum, for cohesion, for identity. With LeBron James still sidelined by right sciatica, the team couldn’t afford to risk fatigue or missteps with a rookie still learning NBA pace. Coach Darvin Ham, known for his meticulous rotations, likely saw this as a chance to rest the young guard and let the veterans carry the load.
It’s not the first time a coach has sat a high-profile rookie for strategic reasons. Remember when the Warriors held Jonathan Kuminga in key playoff moments in 2022? Or when the Nets sat Cam Thomas during their 2023 run? It’s not punishment—it’s policy. And in the NBA Cup, where every game counts toward seeding, discipline matters more than hype.
Pelicans Fight, But Lack Depth
Trey Murphy III was brilliant—35 points on 11-of-21 shooting, hitting threes from every angle. Jeremiah Fears, a second-year guard, was a pest—8 steals, relentless pressure. But beyond them? The Pelicans looked thin. Saddiq Bey scored 11, Herb Jones 13, but no one else cracked double figures. Derik Queen grabbed 10 rebounds, but the bench managed just 28 points total. The Lakers’ defense, particularly Smart and Hachimura, smothered New Orleans’ second-unit playmakers. When Alvarado and Bey hit back-to-back threes to make it 96-88, it felt like a spark. But the Lakers didn’t blink. They didn’t panic. They just kept executing.
What This Means for the NBA Cup Race
The win improved the Lakers’ NBA Cup record to 2-0 in Group B. They’re now tied with the Denver Nuggets for the top spot. Their next game? A road trip to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, November 15, 2025—a matchup that could define their playoff seeding. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, now 1-1, host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. A loss there could put them in a must-win scenario just to make the knockout round.
Statistically, the Lakers were flawless in key areas: 52.1% field goal shooting, 17 assists on 41 made baskets, and only 10 turnovers—down from 20 against OKC. They turned their mistake-ridden loss into a clinic. And the biggest difference? Confidence. You could see it in Reaves’ swagger, in Doncic’s calm, in Ayton’s roar after a block.
Behind the Scenes: Injuries and Rest
LeBron James remains out with right sciatica, and there’s no official return timeline. Zion Williamson’s left hamstring strain keeps him sidelined for the Pelicans. But the real story isn’t who’s hurt—it’s who’s being managed. Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero also sat out for the Lakers, both listed as “DNP – Coach’s Decision.” This wasn’t about injury management. It was about control. The Lakers aren’t just trying to win games—they’re trying to build a culture where veterans lead, rookies learn, and every decision serves the bigger picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Bronny James benched despite being healthy?
Coach Darvin Ham cited strategic rotation and game management as reasons for the decision. Bronny, a rookie still adjusting to NBA speed, played 18 minutes in the prior game. With LeBron sidelined and the Lakers needing veteran poise after a turnover-heavy loss, Ham prioritized experience. This isn’t punishment—it’s development. Teams like the Warriors and Nets have done similar with young stars to preserve energy and focus.
How did the Lakers turn things around after their loss to Oklahoma City?
After a 20-turnover, 40.3% shooting performance against OKC, the Lakers tightened their defense, cut turnovers to just 10, and focused on ball movement. Reaves and Doncic led a 11-0 third-quarter run that broke the game open. The team emphasized interior play, with Ayton dominating the paint and Smart locking down perimeter threats. It was a complete tactical reset.
What’s the significance of the NBA Cup for the Lakers’ season?
The NBA Cup serves as both a tune-up and a seeding tool. A strong group-stage record gives the Lakers home-court advantage in the playoffs and helps build chemistry before the real postseason. With LeBron still out, this tournament is a chance for Doncic and Reaves to prove they can carry the team—and for young players like Bronny to learn without pressure.
Who else was inactive for the Lakers, and why?
Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero were also held out under “DNP – Coach’s Decision.” Neither was injured. Kleber, a veteran stretch big, may have been rested to preserve his legs for back-to-back games. Thiero, a 19-year-old rookie, is still developing. The Lakers are managing minutes carefully, especially with 10 players seeing 20+ minutes in this game. Rest is strategic, not punitive.
What’s next for the Lakers and Pelicans?
The Lakers face the Milwaukee Bucks on November 15, 2025, in a crucial road test. The Pelicans host the Golden State Warriors on November 16. Both games are pivotal for playoff seeding. A loss for either team could force them into must-win scenarios in their final group games.
Did Luka Doncic really play point guard for the Lakers?
Yes. Though Doncic has spent his career as a Dallas Mavericks star, he was traded to the Lakers in the offseason. He’s now their primary playmaker, running the offense with elite vision and scoring efficiency. His 12 assists against the Pelicans were his highest since joining LA, signaling he’s adapting quickly to a new system and chemistry.
