LeBron James Injury Update: Will the Lakers Star Play Back to Back vs Pelicans After Admitting Feeling Like “Sh*t” Post Birthday Game?

The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season in a pretty underwhelming fashion. They have shown flashes of brilliance, evidenced by the In-Season tournament triumph. However, on multiple occasions, the Lakers have suffered disappointing losses this season. Their form post the NBA Cup final is alarming; in the last ten games, the Lakers have managed to win only three games post-NBA Cup final.

The Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans in their next match. However, the Lakers fanbase faces an anxious wait, as the availability of star man LeBron James remains uncertain due to fatigue and illness.

Will illness sideline LeBron for tonight’s game?

The game between the Lakers and the Pelicans is scheduled to tip-off by 7:00 PM, Eastern Time at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The matchup promises to be a fiercely competitive game, as the 7th-placed Pelicans take on the 9th-placed Lakers. However, the Lakers face the prospect of missing LeBron’s services for tonight’s game. In a post-match interview, following the Lakers’ devastating loss to the Timberwolves, LeBron commented about his health. He said, “I didn’t get out of bed till 4:30. So that’s super unlike me…. I feel like sh*t right now.” 

LeBron’s comments have led to speculation about his availability for tonight’s game. But, the Lakers have not listed him in their injury report. However, it’s safe to assume that the Lakers will rest LeBron given his age. Apart from LeBron, the Lakers will also miss the services of D’Angelo Russell due to a tailbone contusion. Another notable absentee is Gabe Vincent, who has had recurring troubles with his left knee. Reports have emerged that Vincent has undergone a successful arthroscopic surgery, which might rule him out for at least eight weeks.

Predicted Lineups: Pelicans vs Lakers

The Lakers would aim to resurrect their season and find their form with a win over the Pelicans. However, that’s easier said than done. The Lakers have an abysmal away record, with just six wins from 18 matches. In what could become a fiercely competitive match, the Lakers would field a strong lineup. They could start the game with Taurean Prince, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish and Anthony Davis.

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The New Orleans Pelicans would look to build upon their thrilling victory against the Utah Jazz. The Pelicans have endured an inconsistent season up until now. But, if they have ambitions of the postseason, then they must learn to win games on a consistent basis. Motivated by the desire to avenge their NBA Cup semifinal loss to the Lakers, the Pelicans are set to field their top players. They could begin the game with Herb Jones, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas.

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