Injury Concerns Loom as Lakers Host Pelicans Tuesday Night

LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2025 — The Los Angeles Lakers will host the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, with significant injury concerns affecting both teams ahead of the matchup. LeBron James is listed as probable due to a foot injury, while the Pelicans will be without key players for the remainder of the season.

Los Angeles enters the game with a record of 38-21, currently positioned as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. They have won their last four matchups against the Pelicans at home, showcasing their dominance in this series.

Despite his foot issues, James has been a pivotal player for the Lakers, averaging 25.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.8 assists over his last 20 games. His presence on the court is crucial as the Lakers aim to solidify their playoff standing. “We’re taking it day by day,” James said regarding his injury, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s success.

In contrast, the Pelicans sit at 17-44, grappling with a roster severely impacted by injuries. Both Herbert Jones (shoulder) and Dejounte Murray (leg) are out for the season. Brandon Boston Jr. is listed as questionable for the game due to an ankle injury. If Boston is unable to play, Jose Alvarado will likely see increased playing time to support the struggling roster.

The Pelicans have found some scoring through Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum, who have been averaging 22.2 and 19.9 points per game, respectively, over the last month. However, the team’s defense has been lacking, ranking 26th in the league, allowing an average of 118.7 points per game.

The Lakers’ injury report includes several notable absences. Maxi Kleber (foot), Rui Hachimura (knee), Jordan Goodwin (ankle), and Austin Reaves (calf) are all listed as out or questionable. Reaves, who averages 19 points and 5.5 assists per game, is especially vital to the team’s backcourt depth, and his absence could be felt during crucial moments of the game.

Tip-off for Tuesday’s matchup is set for 10:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action live on SportsNet LA or through streaming services like Fubo. With playoff implications hanging in the balance, the outcome of this game could significantly affect both teams as they head deeper into the season.