Overview
- Austin Reaves scored 31 points and Luka Dončić added 24 points with 12 assists as Los Angeles moved to 2-0 in West Group B and 9-4 overall.
- Deandre Ayton dominated inside, going 10-of-11 for 20 points and 16 rebounds to fuel a 60-point night in the paint for the Lakers.
- New Orleans, still without Zion Williamson due to a hamstring strain, fell to 0-2 in Cup play and a West-worst 2-10 despite Trey Murphy III’s 35 points.
- Rookie Adou Thiero was activated after knee surgery but did not play, and coach JJ Redick leaned on his starters to close after a late Pelicans push.
- Los Angeles finishes the road trip on a back-to-back in Milwaukee on Saturday, and Redick said James will practice with the team Monday with a possible return next week if there are no setbacks.