Lakers Rest LeBron as Pelicans Face Major Injury Setback
So there’s a lot happening around the Lakers–Pelicans matchup, and the headline is pretty straightforward: LeBron James has been ruled out for this game as he manages a lingering foot issue. Now, that might sound alarming at first, but the Lakers are framing it as a precaution rather than a sign of anything serious. Because they’re playing on back-to-back days, the decision was made to give LeBron the night off, with the idea that he’ll gradually be built up to handle consecutive games again.
Head coach J.J. Redick actually addressed this before the game, saying the team is “just being cautious.” And honestly, it makes sense. LeBron already missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, and since returning, he’s played well but hasn’t done back-to-back action yet. Considering he’s 40 years old and still trying to stay fresh deep into the season, rest days like this feel more strategic than concerning. Plus, the Lakers face the Suns next—a much tougher matchup—so holding him out against a struggling Pelicans team could simply be a matter of timing.
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What makes this even more interesting is the Lakers’ current momentum. They’ve quietly put together a six-game win streak and are sitting at an impressive 14–4 record. Luka Dončić has been playing at an MVP level, Austin Reaves has taken a meaningful step forward, and LeBron hasn’t needed to carry the offensive load the way he used to. His scoring average is down to a career-low 16.5 points, but he’s also taking fewer shots, which suggests he’s pacing himself rather than declining.
On the other side, the Pelicans are dealing with a brutal injury situation. Zion Williamson is out again—this time for hamstring management—and he’s one of five key players sidelined. Dejounte Murray is still recovering from his Achilles injury, Jordan Poole is out with a quad issue, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones are also sidelined, and even some bench players are unavailable. The Pelicans have won just three of their last twenty games, and their struggles seem to be snowballing.
So as the Lakers head into this matchup, even without LeBron or Marcus Smart, they still hold a massive advantage. Meanwhile, Zion’s continued absence raises even more questions about the Pelicans’ season, especially since he’s played only half their games so far.
Overall, the Lakers appear to be in control of their situation. They’re managing LeBron carefully, staying competitive, and positioning themselves for the long haul. As for when LeBron returns, nothing is set in stone, but for now the focus seems to be on sustainability and keeping him ready for another deep playoff run—something he still seems determined to chase.
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