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Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic vs Brooklyn Nets (Image via Getty)
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Pelicans on March 3, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers are 36-24 and sixth in the Western Conference. With the regular season entering its final stretch, each result carries weight in the standings.The main question before tip-off has been Luka Doncic’s status. He is expected to play. He is not listed on the injury report and has no restrictions going into the game.
Update on Luka Doncic’s Injury vs New Orleans Pelicans (March 3, 2026)
Luka Doncic, who wears No. 77 and starts at point guard, dealt with a mild hamstring strain in early February. The injury occurred on February 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He missed a few games, but medical evaluations confirmed it was minor. He has since returned to full practice.
Head coach JJ Redick has monitored his minutes in recent weeks. Some time off was precautionary. There has been no setback.
Doncic has played 41 games this season and is averaging 33.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. In his last outing against the Sacramento Kings, he finished with 28 points, five rebounds, and nine assists.He is expected to start alongside LeBron James, who is in his 22nd season and averaging 24.2 points and 7.1 rebounds.
Los Angeles Lakers Roster Overview
The Lakers’ rotation includes experienced starters and role players around Doncic and James.
| Player | Position | Key Detail |
| LeBron James | Small forward | 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds |
| Austin Reaves | Shooting guard | Secondary scorer |
| Marcus Smart | Guard | Defensive presence |
| Rui Hachimura | Forward | Interior scoring |
| Deandre Ayton | Center | Paint anchor |
| Jaxson Hayes | Center | Rim protection |
| Maxi Kleber | Big | Floor spacing |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | Forward | Rebounding |
| Luke Kennard | Guard | Three-point shooting |
| Drew Timme | Forward | Depth scorer |
| Adou Thiero | Wing | Rookie |
Dalton Knecht and Kobe Bufkin are no longer on the active roster.
Pelicans Roster and Matchup (March 3, 2026)
The Pelicans enter the game with a 19-43 record and sit 13th in the West.
| Player | Position | Key Detail |
| Zion Williamson | Forward | 23.5 points, 7.0 rebounds |
| Herbert Jones | Wing | Defense |
| Trey Alexander | Guard | Scoring |
| Dejounte Murray | Guard | Playmaking |
| Jaxson Hayes | Center | Rebounding |
| Kendrick Looney | Center | Veteran depth |
| Trevor Murphy III | Wing | Shooting |
| Jalen Springer | Guard | Rotation depth |
Williamson’s scoring inside will test the Lakers’ frontcourt. The Lakers are favored by 6.5 points. Los Angeles has averaged 292 passes per game in recent outings, reflecting a focus on ball movement.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 3, 2026)With Doncic available and the roster largely healthy, the Lakers will look to secure a home win and improve their position in the standings.


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