Overview
- Rookie Adou Thiero was cleared to suit up for the first time but did not play, with coach JJ Redick indicating minutes are likelier Saturday in Milwaukee.
- Austin Reaves scored 31 points, Luka Doncic added 24 points and 12 assists, and Deandre Ayton posted 20 points and 16 rebounds in the 118-104 win.
- The victory keeps Los Angeles atop West Group B at 2-0 in Cup play and improves the overall record to 9-4 during a five-game trip.
- LeBron James completed consecutive five-on-five sessions with the South Bay Lakers without lingering pain and is expected to join a full team practice Monday, positioning a possible return next week if progress holds.
- Gabe Vincent remained out with a left ankle sprain, and the Lakers close the back-to-back on Saturday against the Bucks, with Cup point differential reinforcing L.A.’s late-game push in New Orleans.