The Los Angeles Lakers are on the road on Friday night as they travel to take on the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference matchup as part of NBA Cup group play.
Los Angeles enters Friday’s game with an 8-4 record after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road on Wednesday night.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In Wednesday’s loss to the Thunder, Luka Doncic led the way for the Lakers as he recorded 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Dalton Knecht added 16 points off the bench.
Now Los Angele will try to bounce back on Friday night as they try to pick up their ninth victory of the season in a matchup against a struggling Pelicans team.
On the other side, the Pelicans enter Friday’s contest with a 2-9 record after losing at home to the Porland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
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New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22)Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Derik Queen led the way for New Orleans in Wednesday’s loss as he ended the game with 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists off the bench while Saddiq Bey recorded 25 points, six rebounds and five assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Friday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Lakers Injury Report, Will LeBron James Play?
For the Lakers, they have three players listed on their injury report for Friday’s game, including star forward LeBron James.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).
Los Angeles has ruled out James due to right sciatica but it appears as though the future Hall of Fame forward is nearing a return as he has been assigned to the G League to practice.
With James continuing to be sidelined on Friday night, the Lakers will likely rely on Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the load offensively for them.
The Lakers have also ruled out Gabe Vincent as he continues to recover from a left ankle sprain while Adou Thiero has been listed as questionable due to recovery from left knee surgery.
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Pelicans Injury Report, Will Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole Play?
On the other side, the Pelicans have three players listed on their injury report for Friday’s game, including star forward Zion Williamson.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
New Orleans has ruled out Williamson due to a left hamstring strain as he will miss his sixth consecutive game.
The good news for the Pelicans is that Williamson was cleared for contact on Thursday and is nearing a return but while he remains sidelined, both Bey and Queen will likely continue to have increased roles.
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New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (3)Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Pelicans have also ruled out Jordan Poole due to a left quad strain as he will miss his fifth consecutive game while Dejounte Murray remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles.
Fans can catch Friday night’s matchup between the Lakers and Pelicans from New Orleans at 8:00 p.m. EST.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
