In a significant boost for their playoff ambitions, the Los Angeles Lakers will have their superstar guard Luka Dončić available for their upcoming clash against the New Orleans Pelicans. The marquee NBA matchup is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center, with tip-off around 8 p.m. ET.
Lakers' Heavy Reliance on Dončić and James
Dončić's presence is not just a bonus; it is a necessity for the Lakers. The team's injury report has sidelined several key rotation players, forcing the offensive system to lean heavily on the duo of Dončić and the legendary LeBron James. Dončić enters the game as the NBA's leading scorer, averaging an impressive 33.7 points per game this season.
He is coming off a dominant performance against the Charlotte Hornets, where he dropped 36 points, effectively silencing critics after a brief period of inconsistent shooting. In his last outing, he nearly secured a triple-double with 36 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Standings and Season Series Favors Lakers
The standings paint a clear picture of the challenge ahead for the Pelicans. The Los Angeles Lakers hold a strong 22-11 record, placing them third in the highly competitive Western Conference. In stark contrast, the New Orleans Pelicans are struggling at 8-29, sitting at the bottom of the conference.
Historical data from this season further tilts the scale in favor of the Lakers. They have proven reliable against teams with losing records, boasting a 15-3 mark in such games. Furthermore, they have already defeated the Pelicans twice in the current campaign, including a high-scoring 133-121 victory.
Injury Woes for Both Sides
While Dončić and James are cleared to play, the Lakers' bench depth is a major concern. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves are both out with calf injuries, with Reaves not expected back until late January. Gabe Vincent is doubtful with a back strain, and Adou Thiero remains sidelined with an MCL issue. These absences have resulted in increased minutes for the starting lineup.
The Pelicans are also navigating their own injury crisis. They will be without guards Trey Alexander, Saddiq Bey, and Dejounte Murray, while defensive stalwart Herbert Jones is questionable with an ankle sprain. This places the offensive onus squarely on star forward Zion Williamson, who averages 23.5 points per game. Williamson could exploit the Lakers' short-handed frontcourt if they fail to protect the paint.
As the Lakers embark on a road trip, this game presents a golden opportunity to solidify their position near the top of the conference. With Dončić in scintillating form—averaging a staggering 46.0 points on 62% shooting over his last two games—the Slovenian sensation is poised for another explosive night. Sportsbooks have installed the Lakers as favorites by 6 to 8 points, reflecting the season's trends where Los Angeles has consistently handled this matchup.
