By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Los Angeles Lakers overpowered the New Orleans Pelicans, 133-121, to collect a seventh consecutive win in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season on Sunday.
Paving the way with 20 points in the first quarter in crypto.com Arena, Luka Doncic posted a 33-point, 17-rebound double-double to go with seven assists, one block, and one steal in 35 minutes. The 26-year-old Slovenian superstar connected 9/22 field goals, including four three-pointers.
“We only won by 12, but those games are kind of hard. The lesson is to keep doing what we are doing. It is seven in a row, so keep doing what we are doing,” he said in a post-game press conference, referring to the Lakers jumping to 15-4.
“I think that’s a great record. So, keep doing the same things,” added the Ljubljana native.
In the latest win, the team coached by JJ Redick committed only eight turnovers.
“That probably starts with me. I got to take care of the ball better. In some games, we have a lot of turnovers. Today was a lot better,” stressed Doncic.
After logging his first four appearances in his 23rd NBA journey, LeBron James was sidelined. The four-time NBA champion returned to the injury list due to a sore left foot at the top of a back-to-back.
Logging 13 minutes off the bench for the Lakers, German Maxi Kleber tallied two points and one rebound.
The only European option for the struggling Pelicans, Croatian Karlo Matkovic (right calf strain), remained out.