The Los Angeles Lakers are riding a six-game win streak and looking to keep the momentum rolling Sunday night when they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Crypto.com Arena. The offense has been humming, the ball movement crisp, and the bench has stepped up in key moments. But they’ll face this next challenge without their cornerstone.
LeBron James has been ruled out for the matchup due to left foot injury management. At 40 years old and in his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, James continues to defy Father Time, but the Lakers are clearly taking the long view when it comes to preserving his availability. According to his agent, Rich Paul, there's been a conscious effort to limit LeBron in back-to-back situations - a strategy aimed at keeping him fresh for the long haul.
This isn’t just about one night off. It’s about managing the workload of a player who continues to operate at an elite level deep into his career - and doing it in a way that keeps him available for the games that matter most. The Lakers are 14-4 heading into Sunday, and while LeBron’s absence is significant, the team has shown it can hold its own when he sits.
They’ll also be without veteran guard Marcus Smart for the second straight game as he deals with back spasms. Smart’s defensive versatility and leadership are tough to replace, but the Lakers have leaned on their depth throughout this stretch. Expect more minutes for the backcourt rotation, with players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell likely to take on expanded roles.
Sunday’s matchup is the first of a back-to-back for L.A., with the Phoenix Suns coming to town Monday night. After that, the Lakers hit the road for a tough East Coast swing that includes stops in Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia - three teams with playoff aspirations and plenty of firepower. Then it’s back home for a December 10 showdown against the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup.
The Lakers are playing some of their best basketball of the season, and while missing LeBron and Smart presents a challenge, this stretch will offer a chance to test the team’s depth and resilience. As the season grinds on, these are the moments that can shape a team’s identity.