Luka Doncic shared insights on the Lakers’ 118-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Friday. Doncic scored 24 points and dished out 12 assists, while Austin Reaves led the team with 31 points and Deandre Ayton dominated inside with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
“I just try to read the game… if they double me, I like the double. Makes you play four and three, a lot of space,” Doncic said, highlighting how the Lakers leveraged defensive attention to create open shots. He added that the team could have scored more but emphasized, “At the end of the day, we won the game, so that matters.”
Doncic explained the importance of hit-ahead passes and seals, crediting teammates Jake LaRavia, Ayton, and Rui Hachimura for creating scoring opportunities. “Those throw-ahead passes and seals helped us a lot. If they double half court, we’re going to have open space to create anything,” he said.
On the team’s shooting struggles from three-point range, Doncic remained optimistic. “That’s big for us to be nine and four with those percentages… we’re getting great looks, and that’s motivational,” he said, noting that the Lakers can improve even with their strong record.
Doncic also reflected on the team’s physicality and execution during the road trip. “We were more physical today… we needed a great start, and that was it,” he said, referencing how Ayton’s size and strength helped set the tone early in the game.
The Lakers built a 65-52 halftime lead, fueled by an alley-oop dunk from Ayton set up by Doncic. Reaves, Ayton, and Doncic combined for an 11-0 run in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 88-66. Despite a brief Pelicans rally, Los Angeles maintained control, closing the game with clutch free throws from Reaves.
New Orleans was led by Trey Murphy III with 35 points, while Jeremiah Fears added 19 points and eight steals. The Pelicans dropped their fourth straight game and fell to 0-2 in NBA Cup play.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will travel to Milwaukee on Saturday, aiming to extend their strong start in the NBA Cup, while the Pelicans host Golden State on Sunday in search of a first win in the competition.
