The Los Angeles Lakers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena with key injury concerns affecting their lineup.
LeBron James is listed out for the matchup due to left foot injury management, while Marcus Smart is doubtful with back spasms. Bronny James will also miss the game as he remains on a G League assignment.
The absence of LeBron leaves the team relying on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are averaging 35.1 and 28.5 points per game, respectively, to carry the offense.
The Lakers have won their last two games, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 129-119 and the Los Angeles Clippers 135-118. The team is 14-4 on the season, maintaining one of the league’s top records despite these injuries.
The Pelicans enter the game with a 3-17 record, coming off consecutive losses against the Golden State Warriors (96-104) and the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime (128-133). Their injury report has not been submitted yet.
Key Pelicans contributors include Zion Williamson, averaging 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 10 games, and Trey Murphy III, who leads the team with 19.7 points per contest. Jordan Poole is contributing 17.3 points per game over seven appearances.
The Lakers will look to leverage their strong home performance and the offensive production of Doncic and Reaves to overcome the Pelicans’ defensive schemes. Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton provide additional scoring and rebounding support, averaging 14.8 and 15.6 points per game, respectively.
This matchup marks the first meeting of the 2025-26 season between Los Angeles and New Orleans.
