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The LA Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans square off in an NBA Cup game at the Smoothie King Center on Friday. Luka Doncic and the Lakers arrive after enduring the most humiliating defeat (121-92) of the season against the OKC Thunder. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are in a freefall, having lost their last three games and currently sitting in last position in the West.
In the NBA Cup, the Lakers won their opening game of the in-season tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies. On the contrary, New Orleans tasted a narrow 126-124 defeat in their tournament opener against the LA Clippers.
Here are the starting lineups for both teams.
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LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineups Tonight
LA Lakers starting lineup
The Lakers have stuck with the lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura when everyone has been healthy. Lakers coach JJ Redick will field the same lineup as all five players are fit and available to play, barring any unforeseen last-minute setbacks.
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This lineup has started in five games and has an offensive rating of 109.7 and a defensive rating of 103.9. Doncic and Reaves have been spectacular on offense, while former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart has set the tone defensively with his relentless hustle and activity.
Lakers depth chart against the Pelicans:
| PG | Luka Doncic | Nick Smith Jr. | Bronny James |
| SG | Austin Reaves | Dalton Knecht | |
| SF | Marcus Smart | Jake LaRavia | Chris Manon |
| PF | Rui Hachimura | Jarred Vanderbilt | Maxi Kleber |
| C | Deandre Ayton | Jaxson Hayes | Christian Koloko |
New Orleans Pelicans starting lineup
The Pelicans have been decimated by injuries. They will be without three of their best player, including Zion Williamson. Rookie Jeremiah Fears and Herbert Jones will share the backcourt duties, while Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III will take their position on the wing. Veteran Kevon Looney leads the frontline from the center position.
This lineup hasn't yielded the desired result, but the Pelicans are currently out of options. This lineup has an offensive rating of 98.9 and a defensive rating of 103.1.
Pelicans depth chart against the Lakers:
| PG | Jeremiah Fears | Jose Alvarado | Jordan Poole | Jordan Hawkins | |
| SG | Trey Murphy III | Jordan Hawkins | Micah Peavy | ||
| SF | Herbert Jones | Saddiq Bey | Jordan Hawkins | Micah Peavy | Bryce McGowens |
| PF | Saddiq Bey | Derik Queen | Karlo Matkovic | - | |
| C | Yves Missi | Kevon Looney | Derik Queen | Karlo Matkovic | DeAndre Jordan |
LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Reports
The Lakers listed three players on the injury report after Thursday's practice. Rookie Adou Thiero was listed as "questionable" with a left knee injury, while LeBron James and Gabe Vincent were ruled out. James is recovering from a right sciatica injury, while Vincent is nursing a left ankle sprain.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are confirmed to suit up without five players. Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain), Jordan Poole (left quad strain), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), Trey Alexander (G League two-way) and Hunter Dickinson (G League two-way) are sidelined.
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Edited by Atishay Jain
English (US)