Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the New Orleans Pelicans? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (January 6, 2026) | NBA News
Luka Dončić is expected to play tonight when the Los Angeles Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans on January 6, 2026. He is not listed on the injury report and is fully available.The Lakers need him. With several rotation players sidelined, much of the offense continues to run through Dončić and LeBron James. Dončić enters the game leading the league in scoring at 33.7 points per game and is coming off a 36-point showing against Charlotte, a performance that helped quiet questions raised during his brief shooting slump.
Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Game setup and standings
Los Angeles Lakers comes in at 22-11, third in the Western Conference. New Orleans sits at 8-29 and last in the West. The game tips around 8 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center.The Lakers have been reliable against losing teams, posting a 15-3 record in those matchups. They have already beaten the Pelicans twice this season, including a 133-121 win. This game opens a road trip and gives Los Angeles a chance to stay near the top of the conference while dealing with injuries.
Luka Dončić’s recent stretch
Luka Dončić was in control in his last outing, finishing with 36 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. He shot 10-of-20 from the field, went 4-of-10 from three, and made 12 of 13 free throws.Across his last two games, he is averaging 46.0 points while shooting 62 percent. Most of that scoring has come from attacking the lane and getting to the line rather than relying on jump shots. His effort on both ends has also been more consistent during this stretch.
Lakers injury situation
Dončić and LeBron James are both cleared to play. James is averaging 28.5 points per game.The rest of the roster is thinner. Rui Hachimura remains out with a calf injury. Austin Reaves is also out with a calf issue and is not expected back until late January. Gabe Vincent is doubtful due to a lower back strain, and Adou Thiero remains out with an MCL injury. Those absences have pushed heavier minutes onto the starters.
Pelicans availability and matchup focus
New Orleans is missing Trey Alexander, Saddiq Bey, and Dejounte Murray, which limits their guard depth. Herbert Jones is questionable with a right ankle sprain.That leaves much of the offensive burden on Zion Williamson, who is averaging 23.5 points per game. If the Lakers struggle to defend the paint, Williamson has a clear path to impact the game.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, where to watch, and more (January 6, 2026)Los Angeles is favored by roughly six to eight points. Dončić’s role and recent production put him in position to push past the mid-30s again in scoring. Zion’s numbers could climb against a short-handed Lakers frontcourt, but based on season trends, this is a matchup Los Angeles usually handles.
