The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the end of their five-game road trip, one that has seen them suffer two blowout losses, one against the Atlanta Hawks and the other against the Oklahoma City Thunder. A talented offensive team led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, they rank in the bottom half of the league in defense.

A lot of these concerns could be answered when LeBron James makes his return to the court, as the 40-year-old NBA legend will look to appear in a record-setting 23rd season once he makes his season debut. However, the team just can't assume James will fix their problems, and as an opportunity to get right when they see the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

Lakers Injury Report

NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) on X "We're in the timing now where we can be looking at the schedule next week and say, 'Hey, that could be the game where we see LeBron James making his season debut.'" @mcten shares an update with @malika_andrews on LeBron's potential regular season start with the Lakers.

As mentioned, LeBron James remains OUT for the Lakers, as he did not join the team on their current five-game road trip, as he deals with sciatica. Luckily, he is making progress practicing with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he was able to do full-contact, 5-on-5 work on Thursday.

The other player listed as OUT for the Lakers is guard Gabe Vincent, who is still dealing with a left ankle sprain. Vincent last played for the team in their 127-120 win over the Sacramento Kings and has averaged just 3.7 points on 23.1% shooting from the field. Vincent is in the final year of his three-year, $33 million contract he signed in 2023 free agency after playing for the Miami Heat.

NBA (@NBA) on X GABE VINCENT IS ON FIRE 🔥 He starts 5-5 from outside & has 18 PTS in just 5 minutes on ESPN 🤯

Given his lack of availability and poor start to the season, there's reason to believe the Lakers could find a way to use Vincent's expiring contract to trade him for a piece that can help them win now, especially if this ends up being the final year for James in his legendary career.

The final name listed on the injury report is rookie guard Adou Thiero, as he's listed as PROBABLE after undergoing left knee surgery this offseason. Thiero hasn't seen any action since being selected 36th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, missing Summer League and training camp as he's recovered from injury.

Khobi Price (@khobi_price) on X "He works hard. He works really hard." – Deandre Ayton on Lakers rookie Adou Thiero, who's listed as questionable on the team's injury report and could be available to make his NBA debut tonight in New Orleans:

An athletic scoring wing who averaged 15.1 points per game with Arkansas last college basketball season, Thiero has a chance to carve out a role in the NBA if he's able to develop a consistent outside jump shot. If he is ruled as available on Friday, there's no telling how much or if he'll play, but the 21-year-old could be an intriguing piece for the organization down the road.

Tip-off in New Orleans is set for 8:00 p.m. EST, as the Lakers look to improve to 2-0 in the NBA Cup Group Play.