Lakers Visit Injury-Plagued Pelicans in NBA Cup Showdown as LeBron James Sits Out

On a chilly Friday night in New Orleans, the Los Angeles Lakers walked into the Smoothie King Center without their captain — and without much room for error. It was November 14, 2025, and the Lakers, at 8-4 and fifth in the Western Conference, were playing the winless New Orleans Pelicans (2-9) in the NBA Cup Group StageNew Orleans, a tournament that’s become the NBA’s quirky early-season ritual. But this wasn’t just another game. With LeBron James sidelined by right sciatica, and the Pelicans missing nearly half their roster, the stakes felt heavier than the 9.5-point spread suggested.

When Stars Fall, Role Players Must Rise

The Lakers entered the night with a 5-2 road record, but their identity had always been tied to LeBron’s presence. He’d played in all eight of their wins — averaging 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. Without him, they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder just two days prior, 118-112, in a game where their bench scored just 22 points. The question wasn’t whether they could win without him — it was whether they could survive. Luka Doncic, acquired in a blockbuster trade last offseason, was carrying the load: 34.9 points per game, 47.6% shooting, and a 77.5% free throw clip. He was the only player in the league averaging over 34 PPG this season. But even he couldn’t do it alone.

Adding to the pressure: Gabe Vincent was out with a left ankle sprain, and Adou Thiero, the 20-year-old rookie from Senegal, was listed as questionable after knee surgery. Would he make his debut? The Lakers’ coaching staff had been hinting at it for days — a potential milestone for a team desperate for fresh energy.

Pelicans’ Injury Crisis: A Franchise in Freefall

If the Lakers were missing their engine, the Pelicans had lost their entire chassis.

Twelve players on the injury report. Nine completely out. Among them: Zion Williamson, the 24-year-old phenom sidelined by a hamstring strain — his third major injury in 18 months — with no clear return date beyond November 19. Dejounte Murray, their All-Star point guard, was out until January, recovering from a torn Achilles. Jordan Poole, their second-leading scorer, was sidelined with a quadriceps strain. Kevin Porter Jr. was recovering from meniscus surgery. Taurean Prince was out with neck issues. Even their backup center, Day’Ron Sharpe, was listed as probable with a glute contusion.

It wasn’t just injuries — it was timing. The Pelicans had lost seven straight. Their last win? October 29, against the Sacramento Kings. Their home record? 1-3. Their offense? Ranked 29th in the league. Their defense? 27th. And now, they were playing a team that, even without LeBron, had more depth, more experience, and more firepower.

What This Game Meant Beyond the Box Score

The NBA Cup Group StageNew Orleans was designed to give teams early-season momentum. But for the Pelicans, it felt like a survival test. With no clear path to the playoffs, the organization was now evaluating whether to pivot toward rebuilding — and whether their core could ever stay healthy long enough to matter.

For the Lakers, it was about proving they weren’t a one-man team. LeBron had missed 12 games in the past three seasons due to injury. Each time, they’d stumbled. This time, they needed to show they’d learned. Luka Doncic wasn’t just carrying the offense — he was carrying the narrative. Could he be the new face of the franchise without LeBron’s shadow?

And then there was the human side. The Pelicans’ locker room had become a revolving door of rehab staff, physical therapists, and rookie call-ups. One assistant coach, speaking anonymously after practice, said: "We’re not just missing players. We’re missing rhythm. We’re missing confidence. You can’t coach that back overnight."

What’s Next for Both Teams

The Lakers’ next three games? Home against the Clippers, then back-to-back road games in Denver and Phoenix. They needed wins. Without LeBron, they’d have to rely on Doncic’s brilliance and the emergence of role players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell — both of whom had been quietly effective in the last two weeks.

The Pelicans? They had a brutal stretch ahead: four games in six days, including matchups with the Warriors and Jazz. With Murray out until January, they’d likely turn to 2024 draft pick Nolan Traore — who was himself sidelined with ankle impingement — or send more players to the G League. Their GM, David Griffin, had publicly stated they were "evaluating all options," a phrase that often means trade talks are heating up.

Behind the Numbers: The Real Cost of Injuries

The Pelicans’ 12 injured players represented nearly 60% of their active roster. That’s the highest injury rate in the NBA this season — and one of the worst in league history for a non-rebuilding team. Compare that to the Lakers’ three, and the disparity is staggering. According to NBA analytics firm Second Spectrum, teams with more than eight players on injury reports win only 17% of their games. The Pelicans were already at 18% — barely above the threshold.

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ 8-4 record with LeBron on the floor was no fluke. But their 0-1 record without him? That’s the red flag. They hadn’t won a game since October 24 without him. And now, they were facing a team that, despite its chaos, had one advantage: nothing to lose.