The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a surprising 118-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday night, November 14, 2025 — even though two of the NBA’s biggest names, LeBron James and Zion Williamson, were missing. The game, part of the inaugural NBA Cup Pool play, ended Saturday morning with the Lakers improving to 9-4, while the Pelicans dropped to 2-10, extending their losing streak to four games. What made the result even more remarkable? The National Basketball Association hadn’t even officially submitted injury reports by 9:30 AM ET on Saturday — despite the game being over. That’s not just sloppy paperwork. It’s a system glitch that’s raising eyebrows across the league.
Star Power Missing, But Depth Prevailed
LeBron James, 40, sat out with right sciatica — a recurring issue that’s flared up intermittently this season. His absence wasn’t a surprise; he’s been managing minutes like a veteran on a tightrope. But the real shock? Zion Williamson, 24, the Pelicans’ explosive force, was also ruled out. Athlon Sports reported his potential absence days before tip-off, and while the NBA’s official report was silent, multiple outlets including Sports Illustrated confirmed he didn’t play. That’s two All-Stars — one from each team — out of a game that was supposed to be a marquee matchup in the new NBA Cup format. And yet, the Lakers won by 14 points.Los Angeles didn’t just survive without James. They thrived. Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton led the charge, with Austin Reaves dropping 28 points and dishing 9 assists. Even Jeremiah Fears — a Pelicans guard who somehow showed up on the Lakers’ lineup sheet in a reported error — was part of the chaos. The real story? Depth. The Lakers’ bench outscored New Orleans’ reserves 42-23. Gabe Vincent’s ankle sprain and Adou Thiero’s recovery from knee surgery meant fewer bodies, but coach JJ Redick leaned into defensive intensity and ball movement. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective.
What the Pelicans Lost — Beyond Zion
The Pelicans’ injury woes run deeper than just Williamson. Jordan Poole, their newly acquired guard, missed the game with a left quadriceps strain — a concerning sign for a team hoping he’d be their offensive spark. Two-way players Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson were also sidelined, leaving New Orleans with a skeleton crew. The team’s offense looked disjointed, especially in the second half. Without Williamson’s rim pressure, the Lakers sagged off, dared them to shoot, and forced 18 turnovers. Coach Willie Green had no answers. The Pelicans shot just 39% from the field and 28% from three. They didn’t just lose — they looked lost.
Why the NBA’s Injury Report Glitch Matters
The fact that the NBA’s official injury report, maintained at its headquarters at 645 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022, showed both teams’ reports as “NOT YET SUBMITTED” as of 9:30 AM on November 15 — hours after the game ended — is more than an administrative hiccup. It’s a red flag. Teams are required to submit reports by 12 PM ET the day before the game. This wasn’t a late update. This was a failure. Fans, broadcasters, and fantasy managers rely on this data. The league’s CMS system, which should auto-populate from team inputs, clearly didn’t. Is this a tech issue? A staffing problem? Or something worse? With the NBA Cup still in its infancy, this kind of disorganization doesn’t inspire confidence.What’s Next for Both Teams
The Lakers next face the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, November 15, 2025 — just hours after beating New Orleans. LeBron’s status for that game remains uncertain, and so does Adou Thiero’s potential debut. Meanwhile, the Pelicans head into a back-to-back against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, with Zion’s return still unconfirmed. If he’s out again, New Orleans’ playoff hopes — already slim — could vanish. The NBA Cup format, meant to add excitement, is now exposing how thin some rosters really are. And without key players, the spectacle risks becoming a sideshow.
Behind the Numbers: More Than Just a Win
The Lakers’ 118 points were their highest in 12 games. They forced 18 turnovers, blocked 8 shots, and had 30 assists — a sign of unselfish play without their superstar. Reaves and Smart combined for 44 points and 15 assists. Ayton had 19 rebounds. Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ leading scorer, Herb Jones, managed just 18 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Their bench, already thin, got zero production from their second unit. The Lakers didn’t win because of luck. They won because they adapted. The Pelicans didn’t lose because of bad luck. They lost because they’re out of answers.Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Lakers win without LeBron James?
The Lakers won by leaning on defense, ball movement, and bench production. Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves combined for 44 points and 15 assists, while Deandre Ayton dominated the boards with 19 rebounds. Their bench outscored New Orleans’ reserves 42-23, proving their depth can carry them even when stars sit. It wasn’t a fluke — it was a system working under pressure.
Why is Zion Williamson’s absence such a big deal for the Pelicans?
Zion Williamson is the Pelicans’ only true offensive engine. When he’s on the floor, defenses collapse, creating open shots for shooters and driving lanes. Without him, their offense stalls. Against the Lakers, they shot 28% from three and turned the ball over 18 times. His absence isn’t just about scoring — it’s about structure. He’s the reason New Orleans even has playoff hopes.
What does the NBA’s missing injury report mean for fans and bettors?
It’s a serious credibility issue. Fans, media, and sportsbooks rely on official injury reports to make decisions. When the NBA’s system fails to update even after a game ends, it undermines trust. This isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about transparency. With the NBA Cup adding pressure, the league can’t afford these kinds of glitches. Expect calls for an audit.
Is Adou Thiero likely to play against the Milwaukee Bucks?
Lakers head coach JJ Redick hinted Thiero could make his season debut against the Bucks, but no official confirmation has been given. Thiero, recovering from left knee surgery, hasn’t played since training camp. If he’s cleared, he’d provide much-needed frontcourt depth. But rushing him back could risk re-injury — a gamble the Lakers can’t afford with their playoff positioning still in flux.
How does this game impact the NBA Cup standings?
The win pushes the Lakers to 2-0 in Pool play, keeping them in strong position to advance to the knockout round. The Pelicans, now 0-3, are all but eliminated. The Cup’s format rewards consistency, and without key players, New Orleans can’t compete. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ depth could make them dark horse contenders — if they stay healthy.
Could LeBron James miss more games because of his sciatica?
Absolutely. Sciatica is notoriously unpredictable. James has played through it before, but at 40, recovery takes longer. The Lakers are managing his minutes carefully, and with a tough stretch ahead — including games against the Bucks, Celtics, and Nuggets — they may rest him again. His availability will be the biggest storyline over the next two weeks.
