The Los Angeles Lakers visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, January 6, at Smoothie King Center, tipping off at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Lakers hold a 22-11 record, while New Orleans sits at 8-29.
Los Angeles enters the game on a two-game winning streak after back-to-back victories over Memphis, 120-114 on January 4 and 128-121 on January 2.
The Pelicans have lost seven straight, including a 106-125 loss at Miami and a 109-122 home defeat to Portland.
Los Angeles leads the season series 2-0, winning 118-104 in New Orleans on November 14 and 133-121 at home on November 30, 2025.
Injuries for the Lakers include Rui Hachimura (out, right calf strain), Austin Reaves (out, left calf strain), Adou Thiero (out, right MCL sprain), and Gabe Vincent (questionable, lumbar back strain).
New Orleans will be without Trey Alexander (G League – Two-Way), Saddiq Bey (right hip flexor strain), Hunter Dickinson (G League – Two-Way), and Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture). Herbert Jones is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain.
The Lakers rely heavily on Luka Doncic, who averages 33.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. LeBron James adds 21.2 points with 6.7 assists, while Deandre Ayton provides 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds inside.
The Pelicans turn to Zion Williamson (22.8 points, 5.9 rebounds) and Trey Murphy III (20.7 points, 6.1 rebounds) to lead the offense. Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears will carry more responsibility with Murray and Bey sidelined.
