The Los Angeles Lakers return to Crypto.com Arena with a roster that looks much different than when the team last played at home. Los Angeles had a busy trade deadline and reinvented the roster in the process.
Not only will several of the new faces make their home debut for the Lakers after playing on the road, but one trade acquisition is making his debut altogether. Mo Bamba is finally ready to suit up after serving a suspension for an altercation with Austin Rivers before he was traded.
It still will not be the full version of the team without LeBron James, though. James has not played since breaking the scoring record over a week ago as he has been dealing with significant ankle soreness. Is tonight — the last game before the All-Star Break — the night he returns?
LeBron James injury status vs Pelicans:
After missing three consecutive games, LeBron James has been listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. That being said, Darvin Ham did say that “in all likelihood” LeBron will play in this game.
There was a chance that LeBron would play the team’s last game against the Portland Trail Blazers, and while he ultimately didn’t, he still looked great in some pre-game footage that was taken of him making a baseline cut.
LeBron going side-to-side between back-cuts and 3s pic.twitter.com/j4eLlunpZY
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 13, 2023
Full Lakers injury report vs Pelicans:
The Los Angeles Lakers should be at full strength for the final game of the first half. Anthony Davis is yet again on the injury report because of the stress fracture in his foot but that has been the case ever since he returned.
Davis is listed as probable for this game, which has been the status quo for quite some time now. Barring a crazy setback, Davis will play.
Is Zion Williamson playing tonight vs Lakers?
Zion Williamson will not be suiting up against the Lakers. Zion (hamstring) was on the road to recovery but reportedly suffered a setback in his rehab that will keep him out past the All-Star Break.
Pelicans GM David Griffin told reporters that Williamson will miss multiple weeks with the re-aggravated hamstring injury. He has been out since January 2.
Full Pelicans injury report vs Lakers:
Outside of Williamson, the Pelicans are not dealing with many injuries. Former Laker Brandon Ingram is healthy after missing a big chunk of time earlier this season. Ingram returned to action on January 25 and has played 23 games this season.
Dyson Daniels, who gifted the Lakers a win earlier this season by missing two free throws, has been declared out with an ankle injury. CJ McCollum has been listed as questionable, also with an ankle injury.
NBA rumors: Lakers fans should hope this potential target gets bought out
The Los Angeles Lakers can still bolster the roster with a buyout signing this season and fans should hope that this potential target becomes available.