The Los Angeles Lakers' winning momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as they secured their seventh consecutive victory in dominant fashion, overpowering the New Orleans Pelicans 133-121. The star of the show was once again Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic, who delivered a masterclass performance.
Historic Performance by Luka Doncic
Doncic, who is having a phenomenal first full season with the Lakers, filled the stat sheet with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. His backcourt partner, Austin Reaves, was equally brilliant, contributing 33 points and 8 assists. The duo's chemistry was on full display, with Doncic praising their partnership simply: "I don't know what made it special, but I think we're just good basketball players."
Doncic's incredible start to the 2025-26 season continues to rewrite the record books. In this game, he achieved a monumental feat by becoming the fastest guard in Lakers franchise history to score 500+ points in a season. Furthermore, his first-quarter explosion of 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and a block was a historic display. According to reports, he now holds the record for the most 20-point quarters since the NBA began tracking the stat in 1996-97.
Lakers Dominate From the Tip-Off
The Lakers set the tone for the game right from the opening whistle. They exploded for a season-high 46 points in the first quarter and carried that energy into halftime, posting 77 first-half points, another season best. This offensive onslaught proved too much for the struggling Pelicans to handle.
The victory improved the Lakers' impressive record to 15 wins and 4 losses. Notably, they achieved this win without their veteran leader, LeBron James, who was sidelined due to a left foot ailment. Doncic's arrival has seamlessly elevated the team's offensive ceiling, proving to be the primary scoring option they needed.
MVP Trajectory and Championship Ambitions
Luka Doncic is not just playing; he is on a mission. After dedicating his offseason to getting into peak shape, his numbers are staggering. He currently leads the entire NBA in scoring, averaging 35.1 points per game, and ranks fourth in assists with 9.2 per game. His all-around impact has positioned him as a frontrunner for the league's Most Valuable Player award.
While individual accolades like the MVP are undoubtedly appealing, Doncic's primary focus remains team success. His move to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks—a trade that sent the often-injured Anthony Davis the other way—seems driven by a desire to compete for championships. His stellar play is a clear statement of intent to lead the Lakers deep into the playoffs and contend for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
With Doncic playing at an unprecedented level and the team firing on all cylinders, the Los Angeles Lakers have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the Western Conference, and their seventh straight win is a testament to their current form and championship aspirations.
