Get ready, basketball fans, because the Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll, but the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to upset the odds! This Sunday, November 30, 2025, promises an exciting showdown, especially considering the Lakers' impressive streak.
The Lakers, fresh from dominating the NBA Cup group play, are riding a six-game winning streak. What's more, the last four victories came with the legendary LeBron James finally back in action. After recovering from a sciatica condition, James made his season debut on November 18th, marking his 23rd NBA season.
However, here's where it gets interesting: James won't be playing against the Pelicans. The Lakers have ruled him out to manage a lingering left-foot injury. Adding to the challenge, they also have a game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
This absence throws the spotlight onto the Lakers' dynamic duo: Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Doncic, against his former team, put up an impressive 35 points and 11 assists in a recent 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Reaves was on fire, leading the Lakers with 38 points, shooting an incredible 12-of-15 from the floor, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. James, easing back into the game, contributed 13 points with 7 assists.
Reaves shared his perspective, saying, "I finally made the 3s, so that was nice. Luka draws so much attention, Bron's obviously Bron, and they are (both) gonna get the majority of attention. I kind of run around out there and find open spots and make shots, hopefully big shots."
James highlighted the impact of Doncic and Reaves, stating, "Those guys (Doncic and Reaves) have so many eyes on them and obviously they are our primary ball handlers. They play a lot of our pick-and-roll offense. A lot of times (defenses) put two (defenders) on the ball and it's a numbers game for us."
The Lakers' winning streak began with a 118-104 victory in New Orleans on November 14th, even without James. Reaves scored 31 points, and Doncic had 24 points and 12 assists. Trey Murphy III scored 35 points for the Pelicans, while rookie Jeremiah Fears had 19.
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a 104-96 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. They face a tough challenge against a confident Lakers team just one day later.
Zion Williamson scored 25 points against the Warriors, and Saddiq Bey added 21, but the Pelicans have struggled, losing 11 of their last 12 games. They did manage to end a nine-game losing streak with a 143-130 home victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
Williamson has played in five of the last six games after missing two weeks due to a hamstring strain. Against the Warriors, he shot 8-of-16 with seven rebounds and four assists.
Despite the losses, Williamson's return brings optimism. The Pelicans led by as many as 10 points early in the second quarter against the Warriors, but a decisive 12-0 run by the Warriors changed the game.
Interim head coach James Borrego noted, "I feel a confidence brewing with the group. ... We don't care where the production comes from. It can come from anybody on any given night, but I see a lot of guys playing well. The ball is moving, our pace is up."
What do you think? Will the Lakers continue their winning streak, or can the Pelicans pull off an upset? Share your predictions in the comments below!
