Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick
Getty
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick
During the Tuesday night matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans on March 3 in California, the home team plans to make a tweak to the rotation.
According to the California Post’s Khobi Price, the Lakers plan to change up the usual plan in order to get LeBron James and Austin Reaves more playing time together.
After suffering an injury back in late December, Reaves spent a lot of time watching the Lakers from the side.
Austin Reaves #15 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
GettyAustin Reaves #15 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
At that point, the veteran sharpshooter had just a handful of weeks playing alongside LeBron for the year.
When the 2025-2026 NBA season tipped off, James was sidelined with an injury that he suffered during the offseason. The future Hall of Famer didn’t make his season debut until November 18.
Reaves managed to return to the lineup on February 3. Fortunately, he hasn’t missed much action since getting back in the mix. Outside of the Lakers’ February 10 game against the San Antonio Spurs, Reaves has started and played in every game.
Khobi Price
JJ Redick said the Lakers will continue to “tweak” the rotation, including Austin Reaves getting more minutes alongside LeBron James tonight.
This year, Reaves is having his best NBA run yet. The 27-year-old has 34 games under his belt, averaging 33.2 minutes per outing.
Although he’s taking the same amount of shots per game as the 2024-2025 season (14.9), the Lakers’ star is shooting the ball with more efficiency. Reaves is knocking down shots at a 50% clip. From three, he’s averaging 37%, taking 6.5 attempts per game.
The homegrown Laker was putting up All-Star-level scoring before he went down. With 24.1 points per game, he continues to serve as one of the Lakers’ top scorers.
As for LeBron, his start to the year might’ve been slower than expected, but he’s managed to hit a rhythm and shut down any discussions about him no longer being able to play at a high level.
Since the calendar turned to 2026, James has appeared in 27 games. He missed just two matchups throughout that stretch.
The superstar forward has produced 22.3 points per game, shooting 50% from the field. Along with his scoring, he has put up 7.2 assists per game, along with 6.0 rebounds.
The Lakers Still Have Plenty To Figure Out
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks past head coach JJ Redick during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Lakers have been one of the most consistent teams in the league this year, but that doesn’t mean they’ve been perfect.
Heading into Tuesday’s action, the Lakers carry a 36-24 record. They are ranked sixth in the Western Conference, trailing the Denver Nuggets by 1.0 game. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are creeping up on the Lakers, coming within 2.0 games as the seventh seed.
While no game is a ‘gimmie in the NBA, Tuesday’s game is a logical matchup to experiment in. The Pelicans have been one of the NBA’s worst teams through February.
Entering the matchup, the Pelicans are 19-43 on the year. Currently, only two teams have it worse in the Western Conference: The 18-43 Utah Jazz and the 14-48 Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers and the Pelicans are set to tip off at 10:30 PM ET. Based on Redick’s pregame quotes, there should be some new looks to keep an eye on in the matchup.