Key Takeaways:
- Luka Doncic poured in 34 points, including 20 in the first quarter, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 133-121
- The Lakers recorded their seventh consecutive win and 13th victory in their last 15 games, fuelled by a 46-27 first-quarter surge and 77 first-half points
- New Orleans, missing Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, fell to a run of 11 losses in their last 12 games and will host Minnesota on Tuesday and Thursday nights
High-Octane Lakers Overpower Pelicans Early
Luka Doncic delivered a blistering start in Los Angeles, scoring 20 of his 34 points in the opening quarter as the Los Angeles Lakers surged to a 133-121 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, extending their winning streak to seven games.
Doncic, who also collected 12 rebounds and seven assists, set the tone as Los Angeles overwhelmed New Orleans from the outset. With this result, the Lakers have now won 13 of their last 15 contests.
Seven in a row for the Lake Show pic.twitter.com/R57HfoVzoX
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 1, 2025
Supporting Cast Steps Up in LeBron’s Absence
LeBron James did not feature, sitting out to rest a sore left foot. He had made his season debut on Nov. 18 and appeared in four games after recovering from sciatica before being ruled out of this matchup.
In his absence, multiple Lakers stepped forward offensively. Austin Reaves contributed 33 points along with eight assists, while Deandre Ayton added a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Rui Hachimura also made an impact with 14 points.
Pelicans Undermanned as Losing Run Continues
The Pelicans were again without key figures, with Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Trey Murphy III (elbow) sidelined and watching from the bench. Despite the absences, Saddiq Bey and Bryce McGowens produced strong individual displays.
Bey finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, registering a double-double, and McGowens led New Orleans in scoring with 23 points. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent another defeat, as the Pelicans slipped to a run of 11 losses in their last 12 outings.
Record-Building First Half for Los Angeles
Los Angeles seized control with a dominant first half. The Lakers stormed to a 46-27 advantage after one quarter, registering their highest-scoring quarter of the season. That 46-point outburst also tied for the fifth-most points in an opening quarter in franchise history.
The offensive onslaught continued into the second period, as the Lakers reached the interval with a 77-57 lead. Those 77 first-half points matched their best scoring mark in any half this season.
| Team | Q1 | Halftime Score | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | 46 | 77 | 133 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 27 | 57 | 121 |
Pelicans Rally in the Third but Fall Short
After struggling offensively in the first half, New Orleans responded with a strong third quarter. The Pelicans shot 62.5% from the field in the period, chipping away at the deficit and closing the gap to 100-89 heading into the final quarter.
Despite that improved offensive rhythm, the earlier damage done by the Lakers’ explosive start and balanced scoring left the visitors too much to overcome in the closing stages.
What’s Next on the Schedule
The Pelicans will return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday and Thursday nights as they look to halt their current slide.
The Lakers, meanwhile, remain in Los Angeles and will host the Phoenix Suns on Monday night as they aim to extend their winning streak.
