The Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the New Orleans Pelicans sparked a coaching shake-up! The Lakers’ impressive 118-104 road win on Friday night wasn’t just another game; it was the catalyst for significant change within the struggling Pelicans organization.
Just 12 games into the 2025-26 season, the Pelicans, holding the worst record in the Western Conference at 2-10, made the tough decision to fire head coach Willie Green. This move was announced by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars. James Borrego, the Associate Head Coach, has stepped in as the interim head coach.
Dumars stated, “After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach.” He added, “I have the utmost respect for Willie Green, and I’m sincerely appreciative of his contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community.” Team owner Gayle Benson echoed this sentiment, saying, “My expectation is to be a winning team that competes for championships.”
But here’s where it gets controversial… Was Green truly the problem? Many believe the issue lies deeper, in the construction of the team roster itself. The absence of key players like Zion Williamson, sidelined since November 2nd with a hamstring strain, and Dejounte Murray, who will miss most of the season due to an Achilles tear, certainly didn’t help. This mix of veterans and young players was always going to face an uphill battle. Green, in this view, became the scapegoat for a larger issue.
In Green’s final game, only four New Orleans players managed to score in double figures, with Trey Murphy III leading the charge with 35 points.
Meanwhile, the Lakers showcased a balanced offensive attack. Luka Doncic, with 24 points and 12 assists, and Deandre Ayton, with 20 points and 16 rebounds, both achieved double-doubles. Rising star Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 31 points.
This victory propelled the Lakers to a 9-4 record, securing them the No. 4 seed in the West. The Lakers were set to face the 8-5 Milwaukee Bucks the very next day, both teams playing on the second night of back-to-backs, ensuring no rest advantage for either.
And this is the part most people miss… The Pelicans’ decision highlights the pressure-cooker environment of professional sports. Is it fair to hold a coach accountable when key players are injured, and the team’s construction might be flawed? What do you think? Share your opinions in the comments below – do you agree that Green was unfairly treated, or was a change needed to shake things up?