LeBron James will continue his pursuit of the NBA's all-time scoring record when the Lakers head to New Orleans for a matchup with the Pelicans.
The All-Star forward is only 63 points away from passing Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who has been sitting atop the list for decades. After scoring 26 points in a win against the Pacers on Thursday, James explained the importance of Abdul-Jabbar's incredible total.
"I think it's one of the greatest records in sports in general," James said. "I think it's up there with the home run record in baseball. It's just one of those records that you just don't ever see or think that will be broken. ...
"I don't have the number planted in my head, the actual, real number. I know it's 38-something, but I know it's been Kareem my whole life. So, it's pretty cool."
What will the gap between James and Abdul-Jabbar be after Saturday's contest?
Here is everything you need to know about Lakers vs. Pelicans, including TV and streaming options for the game.
MORE: Why LeBron, Kareem don't have strong relationship
Is LeBron James playing vs. Pelicans tonight?
UPDATE: James has been upgraded from questionable to available.
Lakers say that Anthony Davis (right foot stress injury), LeBron James (left ankle soreness) and Russell Westbrook (non-COVID illness) have been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game at New Orleans.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) February 4, 2023
ORIGINAL: James is listed as questionable on the Lakers' official injury report with left ankle soreness.
He missed Monday's game against the Nets, but that was the first game of a back-to-back set. Los Angeles was off on Friday and won't play again until Tuesday, so the team's schedule shouldn't impact his status.
Through 42 games this season, James is averaging 30.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 50.6 percent from the field.
What channel is Lakers vs. Pelicans on?
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 4
- TV channel: ESPN2
- Live streaming: Sling TV
Lakers vs. Pelicans will air on ESPN2. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Lakers vs. Pelicans start time
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 4
- Time: 6 p.m. ET | 3 p.m. PT
Lakers vs. Pelicans will tip off around 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 4. The game will be played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
Lakers schedule 2022-23
Here are Los Angeles' next five games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 4 | at Pelicans | 6 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Feb. 7 | vs. Thunder | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 9 | vs. Bucks | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 11 | at Warriors | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Feb. 13 | at Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
Pelicans schedule 2022-23
Here are New Orleans' next five games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 4 | vs. Lakers | 6 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Feb. 5 | vs. Kings | 7 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 7 | vs. Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Feb. 10 | vs. Cavaliers | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Feb. 13 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. | — |
