LeBron James sat out against the Pelicans for rest purposes. This was not an issue at all for the Lakers, with Luka Doncic (34 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists) and Austin Reaves (33 points, five rebounds, eight assists) once again going off to lead L.A. to victory.

Luka Doncic scores 20 of his 34 points in the first quarter of the Lakers’ 133-121 win over New Orleans. Austin Reaves nets 33 and Deandre Ayton adds 22 as James sits out to rest a sore left

Luka Doncic had 35 points as the Los Angeles Lakers downed the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis. Game highlights:

Dallas Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg is finally starting to come into his own. After starting the season in a point guard role, one that did not come naturally to him, Flagg has now transitioned back to his spot on the wing, and he's been thriving. Over his last 13 games, he's averaging 18.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.6 SPG.

The Dallas Mavericks have been officially eliminated from the Emirates NBA Cup following their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Dallas finished the NBA Cup Group Play with a 1-3 record, with their only win coming against the New Orleans Pelicans. Aside from the Lakers, they also lost to the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers.

Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas last season, but based on his three-word message to his former coach JJ Redick following his revenge game vs. the 17-time NBA champions, there’s no bad blood between the two.

The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled their full first five ahead of their Emirates NBA Cup showdown against the Dallas Mavericks. More news: Former NBA Executiv