Lebron James has been ruled out for tonight’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans due to left foot injury management. This marks the first half of a back-to-back as the Lakers will be back in action against the Phoenix Suns tomorrow.
In addition to James, Marcus Smart is listed as doubtful for the matchup.
The 21-time All-Star made his season debut on November 18th and has suited up for all four Lakers’ games since this time. Across the four matchups, LeBron is averaging 16.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds across 32.5 minutes per game.
The Lakers have more than stayed afloat without James, holding a 14-4 record on the season and sitting in second place in the Western Conference. Los Angeles holds the fifth-best NBA championship odds at +1300 on DraftKings Sportsbook and the fourth-best odds of winning the Western Conference at +900.
Looking at the odds for tonight, the Lakers enter as 14.5-point favorites and hold -1050 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Pelicans hold +675 odds of pulling off the outright upset, with the game total set at 233.5 points.
This will be the second half of a back-to-back for New Orleans after they fell short to the Golden State Warriors last night to drop to 3-17 on the season.
Stay tuned to DK Network for live updates surrounding Jame’s outlook and all other notable players moving forward.