Robert Marvi, LeBron WireSun, November 30, 2025 at 8:08 PM UTC·1 min readThe Los Angeles Lakers will look to get their seventh victory in a row on Sunday evening when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. Their offense has been playing at a very high level, and LeBron James has been easing himself back from a bout with sciatica.
But if the Lakers are to improve to a 15-4 record on Sunday, they will have to do so without James. The 40-year-old will not play in that game, as he's dealing with a left foot injury. Veteran guard Marcus Smart will miss his second straight game due to back spasms.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVia ESPN:
"Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was ruled out of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans because of left foot injury management," wrote Dave McMenamin.
"... Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James' longtime friend and agent, told ESPN last week that it was his preference for James not to play in back-to-backs to preserve his body as he plays in a record-setting 23rd season.
"... The Lakers also will be without guard Marcus Smart for the second straight game because of back spasms."
Los Angeles will host the Phoenix Suns on Monday before taking off for a three-game road trip that includes contests versus the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. It will then return home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 10 in the quarterfinal round of the Emirates NBA Cup.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Injury updates on LeBron James, Marcus Smart for Sunday's game
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