After going undefeated in NBA Cup play, the Los Angeles Lakers were on a goal to extend their winning streak to seven games. LeBron James and Marcus Smart were ruled out, but they still looked formidable against the last-seeded New Orleans Pelicans.

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to sign Deandre Ayton after the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to a contract buyout this past summer. Ayton impressed during the preseason but got off to a slow start as he adjusted to playing alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. His early play was sluggish enough that Shaquille O’Neal publicly called him out.

Heading into the Sunday's game, the Pelicans find themselves in a tough spot, as they field a depleted rotation with several key players ruled out.

The injury-depleted Clippers entered their matchup with the Lakers knowing the stakes: survive, or watch their NBA Cup hopes disappear. A Lakers win would clinch the group outright, while the Clippers needed either a Memphis loss or a statement victory to stay alive.

Jaxson Hayes will start in Ayton's place. The team also announced it signed forward Drew Timme to a two-way contract while waiving center Christian Koloko.

JJ Redick left LeBron James in during the Los Angeles Lakers’ blowout loss against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, seemingly to allow LeBron to extend his historic streak of double-digit scoring games. James cobbled together the four extra points he needed to get to 10, and the streak extended to 1,297 games.

Luka Dončić got off to a strong start to the contest, unsurprising considering the season he’s having and his history playing against the Suns. In the first quarter, he had 20 points. Devin Booker, conversely, was the Suns’ offensive engine in the first. He scored 11 points in the first quarter. Looks like he was getting out of his slump.

Preview the Boston Celtics' NBA matchup with Los Angeles, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.