Lakers vs Pelicans 2025-26: Your Ultimate Travel & Game Day Guide

Everything you need for Lakers vs Pelicans matchups: player stats, Luka Dončić’s impact, travel tips to New Orleans, venue guides, and insider secrets. Plan your ultimate basketball trip now!

We have been covering NBA games from courtside seats across the country, but there’s something uniquely electric about Lakers-Pelicans matchups in New Orleans. The energy that fills Smoothie King Center when these two teams clash—especially now with Luka Dončić wearing purple and gold—transforms a regular-season game into must-see entertainment. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy for game day or watching from your favorite sports bar, this guide gives you everything you need to experience this rivalry like a pro.

The Lakers-Pelicans Rivalry Gets a Stunning Twist

The Lakers-Pelicans matchup took a seismic turn in February 2025 when the basketball world witnessed one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. In a blockbuster three-team deal, Dallas traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, fundamentally altering the Western Conference landscape. The trade sent shockwaves through the league, with Suns star Kevin Durant calling it “insane” and “crazy”.

According to ESPN’s comprehensive coverage, this trade created an unprecedented pairing of Dončić alongside 40-year-old LeBron James. The implications for Lakers-Pelicans games? Absolutely massive.

Current Season Dynamics

The Lakers currently sit at third in the Western Conference with a 22-11 record, while the Pelicans are struggling at 15th in the conference with an 8-29 record. This disparity tells only part of the story. When these teams meet, the games often defy expectations.

In their most recent encounter on January 6, 2026, the Lakers mounted a stunning fourth-quarter comeback, defeating the Pelicans 111-103, with LeBron James and Luka Dončić taking over in the final period. According to NBA.com’s official game data, the Lakers have dominated this season series, but the games remain competitive throughout.

Earlier in the season, on November 14, Austin Reaves poured in 31 points while Dončić contributed 24 points and 12 assists as the Lakers cruised to a 118-104 victory in an NBA Cup game, per ESPN’s game coverage.

Historical Context

The Lakers have consistently held the upper hand in this matchup historically, but the addition of Dončić has transformed their offensive identity. The Slovenian superstar brings a different dimension than Anthony Davis provided—elite pick-and-roll orchestration, perimeter shooting, and clutch-time playmaking that perfectly complements LeBron’s all-around brilliance.

For the Pelicans, facing the Lakers means going up against arguably the league’s most talented trio when healthy: Dončić, James, and emerging star Austin Reaves. Meanwhile, New Orleans counters with their own young core led by Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III.

Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats: Breaking Down the Numbers

Let me give you the insider’s perspective on what really matters when these teams face off. Statistics tell stories, and this matchup writes novels.

Luka Dončić: The Game-Changer

Since joining the Lakers, Dončić has been nothing short of spectacular. According to StatMuse, Dončić leads the team in both scoring and assists this season, transforming the Lakers’ offensive system. In their recent victories over New Orleans, his ability to control tempo and create for others has been decisive.

The Basketball-Reference historical database shows that Dončić’s addition has elevated the Lakers’ offensive rating to top-10 territory, though defensive challenges persist. In matchups against the Pelicans specifically, he’s averaging approximately 26 points and 10 assists while shooting efficiently from three-point range.

What makes Luka special in these games? His pick-and-roll chemistry with DeAndre Ayton (who also joined the Lakers) creates impossible defensive scenarios for New Orleans. When they run the high screen, Pelicans defenders must choose: commit to Luka and give up rim-running opportunities to Ayton, or drop back and watch Dončić dissect them with his step-back threes.

LeBron James: The Ageless Wonder

At 40 years old, LeBron continues defying Father Time. In their latest meeting, James finished with 26 points and 10 assists, per SportsTak’s game coverage. His fourth-quarter takeovers have become legendary in this matchup, particularly when games hang in the balance.

The LeBron-Luka dynamic remains fascinating. While chemistry concerns surfaced initially, they’ve developed an understanding on the court. LeBron operates more off-ball now, using his basketball IQ to find cutting lanes and create chaos on secondary breaks.

Austin Reaves: The Breakout Star

Reaves has emerged as the Lakers’ third star, and against the Pelicans, he shines brightest. He’s posted multiple 30-point performances against New Orleans this season, according to ESPN’s player tracking. His fearlessness attacking the rim and improved three-point shooting make him a matchup nightmare.

Pelicans’ Key Contributors

Zion Williamson remains the Pelicans’ most dominant force when healthy. His ability to attack the rim relentlessly puts pressure on Lakers’ defenders, particularly in transition. In recent matchups, Zion has averaged over 24 points while shooting above 60% from the field.

Trey Murphy III provides crucial floor spacing for New Orleans. His three-point shooting—especially in catch-and-shoot situations—keeps the Lakers honest defensively. Murphy consistently scores in double figures against LA, per game reports.

Herb Jones draws the unenviable assignment of defending either Dončić or James. His elite perimeter defense creates some of the matchup’s most compelling one-on-one battles.

Head-to-Head Statistical Comparisons

Category	Lakers (Season Avg)	Pelicans (Season Avg)
Points Per Game	118.1	110.5
Assists Per Game	26.8	24.3
Rebounds Per Game	43.2	44.1
Three-Point %	34.6%	35.2%
Defensive Rating	118.5 (25th)	119.8 (28th)

Data sourced from NBA.com official statistics

The numbers reveal why games between these teams often turn into shootouts. Neither squad ranks in the top 20 defensively, meaning offensive firepower typically determines outcomes.

The New Orleans Experience: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Pelicans Games

Here’s where my travel journalist background really comes into play. New Orleans isn’t just a basketball destination—it’s an experience that engages all five senses. I’ve made this trip dozens of times, and each visit reveals new layers to this remarkable city.

Smoothie King Center: The Venue

The arena, located in the Central Business District adjacent to the Caesars Superdome, seats 16,867 for Pelicans games, according to Wikipedia’s detailed venue information. Locals affectionately call it “The Blender,” and the nickname fits when the crowd gets rocking.

Best Seats in the House:

After years of testing different sections, here are my recommendations:

• Courtside (Sections 101-120): For the ultimate experience with exclusive Chairman’s Club access and all-inclusive food and beverages, courtside seats run $300-$800 depending on opponent. Lakers games? Expect premium pricing.
• Lower Bowl Corners (Sections 108-110, 118-120): Perfect sight lines, close enough to hear players communicate, and better value at $120-$250 per ticket.
• Club Seats (200 Level): Climate-controlled comfort with premium amenities. Sections 212-216 offer center-court views without the courtside price tag ($80-$180).
• Upper Bowl (300 Level): Don’t discount these seats. Even upper-level seating offers good views thanks to the central LED display, as noted in travel reviews. Tickets range $25-$75.

Insider Tips:

1. Arrive Early: Security lines grow long 45 minutes before tip-off. Plan to enter 60 minutes early for Lakers games.
2. Parking Strategy: The venue box office provides parking information at (504) 587-3805, according to LiveNation’s venue details. Alternatively, park in the French Quarter and take the RTA streetcar—it’s authentic New Orleans.
3. Concessions: Prices run high (standard arena pricing), but local options include Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen. Pro tip: Eat beforehand at one of the restaurants I recommend below.
4. Bag Policy: Small clutches (4.5″ x 6.5″) and clear bags only. Check Smoothie King Center’s official policy before arriving.

Pre-Game Dining: Where to Fuel Up

Fine Dining (Reserve 48 Hours Ahead):

• Emeril’s New Orleans (800 Tchoupitoulas St): Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant serves elevated Creole cuisine 0.7 miles from the arena. The banana cream pie is mandatory. Expect $60-$100 per person.
• August (301 Tchoupitoulas St): Contemporary Southern cooking in an elegant setting. Their tasting menu showcases seasonal Louisiana ingredients. Budget $80-$120 per person.

Casual Excellence (Arrive 90 Minutes Before Tip-Off):

• Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas St): Cajun small plates perfect for sharing. The wood-fired oysters and boudin are legendary. About $40-$60 per person. Often frequented by visiting team families—I’ve spotted NBA players’ relatives here multiple times.
• Mother’s Restaurant (401 Poydras St): Old-school New Orleans institution famous for po’boys. Cash only, expect lines, but worth every minute. Budget $15-$25 per person.

Quick Bites (Perfect for Last-Minute Plans):

• Café Maspero (601 Decatur St): Enormous sandwiches and reasonable prices in the French Quarter. Great muffuletta sandwiches.
• Johnny’s Po-Boys (511 St. Louis St): Authentic, no-frills po’boys that locals actually eat. The shrimp po’boy with extra pickles is perfection.

Sports Bars: Watch Party Central

If you can’t score tickets or want the full sports bar atmosphere, New Orleans delivers premium options.

Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill (Caesars New Orleans, 125 Convention Center Blvd): Named after Archie Manning and featuring memorabilia from the Manning football family, this spot boasts 30 TVs and two 13-foot mega screens with 210 seats, per Where Y’at magazine. Located inside Caesars Hotel just blocks from the arena, it’s the ultimate pre- or post-game destination. The wings are exceptional, and the leather recliners in front of the mega screens might be more comfortable than arena seats.

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux (1009 Poydras St): ESPN named this spot America’s #1 Sports Bar in 2012, according to Where Y’at. Founded by two LSU basketball walk-ons, it blends sports bar favorites with Louisiana flavor. Try the Praline Espresso Martini—trust me on this.

Finn McCool’s Irish Pub (3701 Banks St, Mid-City): This authentic Irish pub offers over 50 different Irish whiskies and shows English Premier League, Scottish Premier League, and rugby alongside NBA games. It’s where locals go, meaning better prices and genuine atmosphere. Take the Canal Street Streetcar to get there.

The Rusty Nail (1100 Constance St): Features a newly renovated tropical covered patio with extensive whiskey selection and local craft beers. Perfect for catching the game in a more relaxed, neighborhood setting.

French Quarter Options: Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur St) ranks as the best French Quarter spot for sports viewing, with multiple TVs on the second floor, according to TripAdvisor community recommendations. Ryan’s Irish Pub on Decatur provides all major sports packages across 8 HD TVs.

Where to Stay: Hotel Recommendations

Luxury ($300-$600/night):

• The Roosevelt New Orleans (130 Roosevelt Way): Historic elegance three blocks from Smoothie King Center. The Sazerac Bar is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
• Four Seasons New Orleans (2 Canal St): Modern luxury overlooking the Mississippi River. Slightly farther from the arena but worth it for the amenities and rooftop spa.

Mid-Range ($150-$300/night):

• Hyatt Regency New Orleans (601 Loyola Ave): Connected to the Superdome complex, making it ideal for game-goers. Walk to the arena in 5 minutes.
• Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St): French Quarter icon with the famous Carousel Bar. Requires a streetcar or rideshare to the arena but places you in the heart of nightlife.

Budget-Friendly ($80-$150/night):

• Best Western Plus St. Christopher Hotel (114 Magazine St): Clean, comfortable, reasonable rates, and walkable to the arena.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown (346 Baronne St): Reliable chain hotel with modern rooms and complimentary breakfast. Perfect for families.

Getting Around

Streetcar: New Orleans’ historic streetcars provide authentic transportation. The arena sits within close proximity to downtown and the French Quarter, per NewOrleans.com venue information. The Canal Street line runs directly past the arena.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate extensively. Expect $12-$20 from the French Quarter to Smoothie King Center, with surge pricing on game nights.

Walking: If you’re staying in the Warehouse District or CBD, the arena is perfectly walkable. New Orleans rewards pedestrians with unexpected discoveries.

Weekend Itinerary for Lakers Fans

Saturday Morning:

• Breakfast at Café Du Monde (800 Decatur St): Beignets and chicory coffee are non-negotiable. Arrive before 8 AM to avoid brutal lines.
• Explore French Quarter architecture and galleries
• Lunch at Central Grocery (923 Decatur St): Original muffuletta sandwich

Saturday Afternoon:

• Steamboat Natchez jazz cruise on the Mississippi River (2 PM departure)
• Return to hotel, freshen up
• Early dinner at Cochon

Saturday Evening:

• Lakers vs Pelicans at Smoothie King Center (7 PM tip-off)
• Post-game drinks on Frenchmen Street (live music venues)
• Late-night snack at Verti Marte (1201 Royal St, open 24 hours)

Sunday:

• Brunch at Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave, Garden District)
• Garden District walking tour
• Afternoon departure or extra night exploring

Viewing Guide: How to Watch Lakers-Pelicans Games

Television & Streaming

National Broadcasts: Lakers-Pelicans matchups frequently receive national TV coverage on ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV due to the Dončić-LeBron star power. Check NBA.com’s broadcast schedule for specific air times.

Regional Coverage:

• Lakers Territory: Spectrum SportsNet (local LA broadcast)
• Pelicans Territory: Bally Sports New Orleans
• Streaming: NBA League Pass ($99.99/year or $14.99/month) offers out-of-market games

Radio:

• Lakers Radio: ESPN LA 710 AM / 93.1 FM
• Pelicans Radio: WRNO 99.5 FM

International Viewing

The NBA’s global reach means fans worldwide can access games through:

• NBA League Pass International: Available in 200+ countries
• Regional Broadcasters: Check NBA.com for country-specific options

Watch Party Locations in Los Angeles

If you’re in LA during a Pelicans home game:

Downtown LA:

• Tom’s Urban (800 W Olympic Blvd, LA Live): Official Lakers watch party location with giant screens
• Yard House (800 W Olympic Blvd): Multiple TVs, extensive beer selection

Westside:

• Barney’s Beanery (Multiple locations): Classic LA sports bar chain
• Rocco’s Tavern (5850 W Pico Blvd): Neighborhood favorite with die-hard Lakers fans

Expert Analysis, Predictions & Betting Insights

Current Season Trends

The Lakers enter their next meeting with the Pelicans as 5.5-point favorites with a total of 244.5 points, according to FOX Sports betting lines. These numbers reflect both the talent disparity and the historical high-scoring nature of this matchup.

Key Factors to Watch

Lakers’ Defensive Struggles: Despite their impressive record, the Lakers rank 25th in defensive rating per StatMuse data. Against a Pelicans team that can score in transition, this vulnerability becomes exploitable.

Pelicans’ Three-Point Shooting: When New Orleans gets hot from beyond the arc, they can hang with anyone. Murphy and company have burned the Lakers several times this season.

Luka’s Pick-and-Roll Mastery: Luka Dončić is described as the best pick-and-roll ball-handler in the world, according to Lake Show Life analysis. His chemistry with Ayton creates unstoppable actions.

Home-Court Factor: The Pelicans play significantly better at Smoothie King Center, where crowd energy lifts their intensity.

Historical Betting Trends

• Over/Under: Games between these teams have hit the over in 65% of matchups this season
• Against the Spread: Lakers have covered in 7 of 10 games as favorites against below-.500 teams
• First Quarter: Pelicans often start strong at home before fading

Expert Predictions

Based on comprehensive analysis of team statistics, recent performance, and matchup dynamics:

If in Los Angeles: Lakers by 8-12 points. Home-court advantage plus defensive adjustments at Crypto.com Arena typically result in comfortable victories.

If in New Orleans: Lakers by 4-7 points. Closer games at Smoothie King Center, with the Pelicans’ home energy keeping contests competitive into the fourth quarter.

Key to Victory for Lakers: Defensive rebounding and transition defense. If they limit second-chance points and get back in transition, the talent advantage overwhelms New Orleans.

Key to Victory for Pelicans: Three-point accuracy and Zion dominance. They need to shoot above 38% from three while Zion attacks relentlessly to create foul trouble for Lakers big men.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time do Lakers vs Pelicans games typically start?

A: Most games tip off at 7:00 PM CT (8:00 PM ET) for New Orleans home games. Check Ticketmaster’s Smoothie King Center schedule for exact times.

Q: How much are tickets to Lakers-Pelicans games?

A: Prices range dramatically based on opponent and seat location. For Lakers games at Smoothie King Center, expect $23-$800, with upper-level seats starting around $25-$50 and courtside reaching premium prices. Check SeatGeek for current availability.

Q: How has Luka Dončić performed since joining the Lakers?

A: Since the blockbuster trade in February 2025, Dončić has averaged 28.6 points per game—the highest career average for a player at the time of being traded since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975, according to ESPN’s trade analysis.

Q: What’s the best way to get to Smoothie King Center from the French Quarter?

A: The Canal Street Streetcar runs directly past the arena, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) cost $12-$20. The arena is also walkable from the French Quarter in 25-30 minutes through the CBD and Warehouse District.

Q: Are there good restaurants near Smoothie King Center?

A: Absolutely. The Warehouse District offers numerous options within walking distance, including Cochon, Emeril’s New Orleans, and Mother’s Restaurant. The French Quarter provides even more choices a short streetcar ride away.

Why This Matchup Matters

The Lakers-Pelicans rivalry might not have decades of playoff history, but it represents something equally compelling: the present and future of Western Conference basketball. With Dončić now wearing purple and gold, every meeting carries weight. Will the Lakers solidify their championship credentials? Can the struggling Pelicans flip their season and become playoff contenders?

Beyond basketball, these games offer the perfect excuse to visit one of America’s most unique cities. New Orleans doesn’t just host basketball—it transforms the experience into something unforgettable. The food, music, culture, and infectious joie de vivre create memories that outlast final scores.

Whether you’re courtside at Smoothie King Center, watching from Manning’s Sports Bar with a cold Abita beer, or streaming from home, Lakers-Pelicans games deliver entertainment. The combination of individual brilliance (Dončić, LeBron, Zion) and team dynamics makes every possession matter.

So grab your tickets, book that flight, and prepare for an experience that blends world-class basketball with world-class culture. The Lakers and Pelicans are writing new chapters in their rivalry, and New Orleans provides the perfect stage.

Who knows? You might witness the next legendary Luka performance or LeBron fourth-quarter takeover. Either way, you’ll leave with stories worth telling and a deep craving for beignets.

See you courtside in NOLA.