The Los Angeles Lakers are officially 100 games through the JJ Redick era since the former sharpshooter was hired to be the franchise's next head coach. While he showcased during his media career a high basketball IQ, there was no telling how he'd pan out as a head coach, but he looks to be on track for back-to-back 50-win seasons with the Lakers.

On Sunday, the Lakers play host to the New Orleans Pelicans, as they'll be seeking their 15th win of the season, as they look to hold onto their second seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers recently got a boost to their lineup over this six-game winning streak with the return of LeBron James, but the injury report reveals several stars set to be sidelined.

In the first leg of this back-to-back for Los Angeles, the Lakers have ruled OUT James due to left foot injury management. It will be his first game missed since debuting this season, as the Lakers look to preserve the health of their all-time great.

Across four games of action so far, James is averaging 16.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 49.1% from the field. The statistical drop-off from James is notable, but he's also attempting the fewest shots he has in his career.

A main reason for that is not only the addition of Luka Doncic from last year's trade deadline, but the emergence of Austin Reaves. Reaves, in the four games he's played with James, is averaging 29.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. While his assist numbers have dropped, Reaves has actually improved as a scorer alongside James.

As for the other names listed, Bronny James is OUT due to being on a G League assignment while Marcus Smart is OUT due to back spasms.

For the Pelicans' injury report, it's filled with some of their best and highest-paid players. Of the seven names ruled OUT for Sunday's contest, the notable ones include Zion Williamson (hamstring), Jordan Poole (quad), Trey Murphy III (elbow), Herb Jones (calf), and Dejounte Murray (Achilles).

Based on their 2025-26 salaries alone, that's a combined $141 million sitting on the bench for the Pelicans on Sunday. The five highest-paid players for the Pelicans, and without their first-round pick this season, this is a far from ideal situation to be in.

Even without James, the Lakers should be heavy favorites in this contest, given the Pelicans' roster is so depleted. The two sides faced off already amid the Lakers' six-game winning streak, where they took the 118-104 win.

Tip-off in Los Angeles is set for 9:30 p.m. EST, and it should not be a close game by any means.