The LA Lakers will begin a two-game road trip with a visit to Louisiana to face the New Orleans Pelicans. Tuesday’s matchup at the Smoothie King Center is the third of four meetings between the Western Conference teams this campaign, with the Lakers holding a 2-0 lead in the regular-season series.
The Lakers-Pelicans clash is set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The live telecast will be available on the Gulf Coast Sports Network. Fans can watch the contest via livestream on NBA League Pass and Fubo TV (restrictions may apply).
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds
Moneyline: Lakers (-218) vs Pelicans (+180)
Spread: Lakers -4.5 (-118) vs Pelicans +4.5 (-102)
Total (O/U): O240.5 (-110) vs U240.5 (-110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are based on available information at the time of publication.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview and Prediction
After a strong start to the season, the LA Lakers hit a rough patch in mid-December. Over two weeks from Dec. 11 through the end of the year, they boasted a 3-5 record, including a three-game losing streak. However, the Lakers quickly redeemed themselves in January, opening 2026 with back-to-back wins over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Much of that success can be credited to LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Over those two games, the duo combined to average 63.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 16.0 assists per game, helping the Purple & Gold to improve to a 22-11 record. Los Angeles now sits just two games behind the second-place San Antonio Spurs.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have struggled from the opening tip. However, they had an encouraging run in mid-December with a five-game winning streak between Dec. 11 and Dec. 22. That momentum disappeared almost immediately, with New Orleans losing seven straight games since then. This skid has left them at the bottom of the Western Conference with an 8-29 record.
These two teams have already met twice this season. The Lakers won both matchups, first in an NBA Cup game on Nov. 14 and then again in a regular-season contest on Nov. 30, by scores of 118-104 and 133-121. Austin Reaves was a major factor in both wins, averaging 32.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.
Given their current form, the Lakers are expected to come out on top once again. The Pelicans may be without Herb Jones, their top perimeter defender and the player best suited to slow down Luka Doncic. Additionally, Los Angeles has been more effective on the road (12-5) than at home (10-6). All signs point to the Lakers entering this matchup as clear favorites.
Prediction: Expect the Lakers to win by 16 points.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Player Props
- LeBron James O/U 24.5 points – Take the under
- Zion Williamson O/U 5.5 rebounds – Take the over
- Trey Murphy III O/U 20.5 points – Take the under
- Luka Doncic O/U 8.5 assists – Take the over
Read more: Kevin Durant Brutally Slams Suns For “Scapegoating and Kicking Him Out” After Hitting Game Winner
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