Overview
- Los Angeles won 118-104 in New Orleans to improve to 9-4 overall and remain atop West Group B at 2-0 in Cup games.
- Austin Reaves scored 31 points with seven assists, Luka Dončić added 24 points and 12 assists, and Deandre Ayton posted 20 points and 16 rebounds.
- James was ruled out with right-side sciatica but practiced five-on-five with the South Bay Lakers on consecutive days and is being monitored for a possible debut next week, with a team practice targeted for Monday.
- Rookie Adou Thiero was activated and available after left-knee surgery but did not play, with JJ Redick indicating minutes could come Saturday in Milwaukee.
- Gabe Vincent remained out with a left ankle sprain as the Lakers continued their five-game trip, which concludes Saturday on a back-to-back against the Bucks.