Before the Los Angeles Lakers' blockbuster trade of a package anchored by Anthony Davis in an exchange with the Dallas Mavericks for five-time All-NBA First Tea

JJ Redick is trying to get the Lakers back on track as they struggle during their first road trip of the year.

The game on Friday night is the second NBA Cup came of the season for both L.A. and New Orleans. The Lakers won their first cup contest over the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Pelicans suffered a defeat at the hands of the Clippers in their first cup game.

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the best teams in the Western Conference thus far in the 2025-26 NBA season, even without megastar LeBron James, who has missed the start of the campaign due to sciatica.

The LA Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans Friday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 121-92 victory over Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers in their Western Conference matchup on Wednesday. The Thunder pummeled the Lakers, leading 100-64 after the first three quarters.

Aaron Coloma: The Lakers need to bounce back after the Thunder blew them out Wednesday, and have the perfect opportunity to do so against an underwhelming Pelicans squad. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will continue to put in work on the offensive side of the ball as the Lakers cruise to a win. Lakers 124, Pelicans 103.