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Los Angeles , CA – January 15: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick during a NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto Arena on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 in Los Angeles , CA. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will have a showdown with the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena in California.
The Lakers have won two games in a row (in blowout fashion).
They most recently beat the Sacramento Kings (at home) by a score of 128-104.
Luka Doncic led the way with 28 points, five rebounds, nine assists, one steal and one block while shooting 10/16 from the field and 4/8 from three-point range in 29 minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Surprising Injury Report
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach JJ Redick during the first half of the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
At this time of the season, many teams are dealing with a lot of injures.
That said, the Lakers caught a break, as they have no one on their injury report for Tuesday’s showdown with New Orleans.
Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation wrote: “Lakers injury report is beautiful”
Lakers injury report is beautiful
Lakers This Season
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives Luka Doncic #77 against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Lakers come into the matchup with a 36-24 record in 60 games, which has them as the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
They are just 5-5 over their last ten games (but have gone 17-12 in the 29 games they have played at home).
Following their showdown with the Pelicans, the Lakers will head to Colorado for a matchup with Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets.
Lane also added: “Over the weekend’s games vs Warriors & Kings, the Lakers averaged 292 passes made, up from 269 per game on the season. It’s a clear indication of their renewed emphasis on ball movement”
Over the weekend’s games vs Warriors & Kings, the Lakers averaged 292 passes made, up from 269 per game on the season. It’s a clear indication of their renewed emphasis on ball movement
Lakers Last Season
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Lakers were the third seed with a 50-32 record during the 2024-25 season.
However, they ended up losing to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (in only five games).
The Lakers last reached the Western Conference finals in 2023.
However, they have been unable to return to the NBA Finals since they won the title in 2020 (over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat).
Pelicans Ahead Of Lakers Showdown
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 09: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans hangs on the rim after dunking the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Pelicans are the 13th seed with a 19-43 record in 62 games.
They last made the NBA playoffs during the 2024 season when Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum were part of the roster.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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