Luka Doncic's Status for Lakers vs Pelicans

The Los Angeles Lakers revealed Luka Doncic's availability against the New Orleans Pelicans

Mar 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at the Crypto.com Arena.

Los Angeles dropped Thursday night's game to the Golden State Warriors, while the Pelicans have been in town most of the week after falling to the Clippers on Wednesday night. Los Angeles looks to maintain their home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Los Angeles' ascension up the standings strongly correlates with the acquisition of superstar guard Luka Doncic, who the Lakers traded shortly before the trade deadline. The shocking trade sent shockwaves through the NBA world, as the expectation of a player of Doncic's caliber being available was unfathomable.

The Los Angeles Lakers have listed Luka Doncic as available against the New Orleans Pelicans, despite the back-to-back.

LeBron James is PROBABLE for tonight’s game vs. New Orleans. #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/GOXPsn4bSu

— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) April 4, 2025

Doncic has already had a major impact on the team. He recently set the franchise record for most three-pointers in a month, knocking down 64 in March. The former first-round pick suffered a major calf injury earlier in the year but has returned to help the Lakers climb the Western Conference standings. Los Angeles released their injury report before Friday night's games against New Orleans.

Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Doncic helped lead his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, to the NBA Finals last season, losing to the Boston Celtics. Los Angeles hopes Doncic can recreate some of that magic this season and help lead the proud franchise back to the top of the mountain. In his 23 games with the Lakers this season, Doncic is averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists.

Crossover. Step-back. Luka Magic. pic.twitter.com/H7VbUCseFJ

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 16, 2025

The Lakers have six regular-season games left before the playoffs start. Los Angeles is just a half-game behind the Denver Nuggets for the third seed in the playoffs.