Lakers Announce Injury News on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 7:01 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking their third straight win after back‑to‑back victories over the Memphis Grizzlies, riding strong performances from stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Doncic has continued to operate as the engine of the Lakers’ offense, while James provides veteran scoring and playmaking and anchors the second unit when off the floor.

Their combined effort has kept Los Angeles among the upper tiers of the Western Conference, even as the roster has been tested by injuries. The Lakers enter Tuesday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans (8-29) with a 22‑11 record, and after comfortably winning the previous two meetings this season, they aim to go 3-0 in this series.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick with guard Austin Reaves (15) and guard Luka Doncic (77).Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

However, Los Angeles has been coping with key absences. Austin Reaves has been sidelined with a left calf strain and is expected to miss several weeks, leaving a scoring void in the backcourt, and Rui Hachimura has been sidelined with a right calf strain, a loss that has removed one of the team’s more efficient three‑point threats.

Amid all this, the Lakers initially received a bit of optimism regarding Gabe Vincent, who had missed the last eight games due to a lumbar back strain. After being absent most of the season, Vincent was listed as questionable on Monday, suggesting a potential return on the two‑game road trip and offering hope for bolstered backcourt depth.

Before tip‑off, that hope was dashed. The Lakers announced that Gabe Vincent has now been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans, extending his absence.

Gabe Vincent (lower back strain) has been downgraded to out tonight in New Orleans, the Lakers announced
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 6, 2026

Before the Grizzlies game, head coach JJ Redick told reporters that the team expects to have Vincent in the lineup during its road stretch. On Tuesday, Redick added that there has been no setback in his recovery and expects Vincent to be available Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs (via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin).

With Vincent unavailable and both Reaves and Hachimura already on the shelf, the Lakers will lean even more heavily on Doncic, James, and others to maintain their offensive rhythm in New Orleans.

The Lakers vs. Pelicans game tips Tuesday at 8 pm ET from the Smoothie King Center and will be televised on SportsNet LA (regional) and available on NBA League Pass and Fubo.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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