The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, looking to bounce back from their recent loss to the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, Rui Hachimura will be absent due to patellar tendinopathy, a condition that has already sidelined him for a month earlier this season. Despite the injury, Hachimura showed promising form in Thursday's game, scoring 24 points in just 31 minutes. With the Pelicans struggling and the Lakers facing a challenging road ahead against the top-ranked Oklahoma City Thunder, this matchup could be pivotal for both teams.