He’s set himself up to get paid handsomely, and according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, he could be in line for a massive extension worth $114.5 million over four seasons.

The LA Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans Friday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the best teams in the Western Conference thus far in the 2025-26 NBA season, even without megastar LeBron James, who has missed the start of the campaign due to sciatica.

The Lakers seem to be gradually inching towards being at full strength after dealing with multiple injuries to start this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 121-92 victory over Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers in their Western Conference matchup on Wednesday. The Thunder pummeled the Lakers, leading 100-64 after the first three quarters.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick predicted that a key star would have a breakout season, and so far, his instincts have been proved right.

The Los Angeles Lakers will have an early yardstick-type game on Wednesday when they continue their five-game road trip against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. They have gotten out to an 8-3 record, and they have won six of their last seven games despite being short-handed.