The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive run with a convincing 133-121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on December 1, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The win marked the Lakers' seventh consecutive victory, solidifying their position as one of the Western Conference's hottest teams heading into the final stretch of the season.
A Dominant Performance Led by Luka and Reaves
Luka Dončić and
Austin Reaves were the driving forces behind the Lakers' offensive onslaught, with the dynamic duo putting on a masterclass in ball movement and scoring efficiency. The Lakers' fast start set the tone early, allowing them to control the game throughout all four quarters. The team shot an impressive
54% from the field, demonstrating the kind of offensive firepower that has made them nearly unstoppable in recent weeks.
Reaves, in particular, has been a revelation for the Lakers this season, consistently putting up near double-double performances night after night. His two-way play—combining scoring prowess with solid defensive contributions—has become essential to the team's success.
Pelicans Struggle Without Key Players
The Pelicans faced an uphill battle from the start, playing on the second night of a back-to-back after losing to the
Golden State Warriors the previous evening. New Orleans was also without two of its most important offensive weapons:
Zion Williamson and
Trey Murphy III, both unavailable for the matchup.
Despite these significant absences, the Pelicans showed resilience.
Bryce McGowens emerged as a bright spot for New Orleans, posting a
career-high 23 points while starting for the second consecutive game. His performance provided some offensive punch, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers' superior depth and momentum.
Lakers' Impressive Season Trajectory
The Lakers' seventh straight victory underscores their remarkable turnaround this season. Currently sitting as the
number two seed in the Western Conference with a
14-4 record, the team has become a force to be reckoned with. Their dominance at home, combined with their ability to win on the road, suggests they're peaking at exactly the right time.
The Lakers' historical advantage over the Pelicans also played a role in the outcome. Los Angeles leads the all-time series
57-28 since 2004 and has dominated recent matchups, winning
9 of their last 10 games against New Orleans.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers face a challenging schedule ahead, with a matchup against the
Phoenix Suns on the horizon—a game where
LeBron James is expected to return after sitting out the Pelicans game due to back-to-back rest management. The Suns, who have recently gotten
Devin Booker and
Grayson Allen back to full health, will present a formidable test for the streaking Lakers.
For the Pelicans, the focus shifts to recovery and getting their injured players back on the court. With Zion and Murphy sidelined, New Orleans will need to find ways to stay competitive until their stars return to action.
1.
Lakers vs Pelicans Live Game Coverage - YouTube2.
Luka Doncic, Lakers Start Fast, Beat Pelicans 133-121 - Times Union3.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers Live Play-By-Play - YouTube4.
Lakers vs Pelicans Full Game Highlights - Lakers Dynasty Highlights5.
Lakers 133, Pelicans 121: Postgame Wrap - Official Pelicans
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1. LIVE! LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans LIVE Full Game - YouTube
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3. New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers | Live Play ... - YouTube
4. Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Full Game Highlights ...
5. Los Angeles Lakers vs Orleans Pelicans Full Game Highlights 3rd ...
6. Lakers 133, Pelicans 121: Bryce McGowens 23 points | Postgame ...
