Lakers vs Pelicans live score, updates, highlights from the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament game

The NBA postseason begins Tuesday with the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.

The Pelicans host the Lakers in a matchup where the winner secures the No. 7 seed and a first-round series against the defending champion Nuggets. The losers' season won't be over yet. They will face the winner of the 9-10 Warriors vs. Kings game with a chance to secure the No. 8 seed and a first-round series with the Thunder.

LeBron James and the Lakers found themselves in the same position last season when they won their first play-in game before advancing to the Western Conference Finals. The Pelicans are also no strangers to the play-in and are taking part in the tournament for the third time in a row.

This time, New Orleans will have star forward Zion Williamson available for his first postseason game.

Will the Lakers take care of business and secure a playoff spot, or will the Pelicans learn from last year's exit and secure the No. 7 seed? Sporting News provides you with live updates, highlights and more below.

PREVIEW: Predictions for the Lakers vs. Pelicans play-in game

Lakers vs Pelicans live score

MORE: Why the Lakers' play-in loss to the Pelicans could be a blessing

Lakers vs Pelicans live updates, highlights

(All times Eastern.)

Before the game

7:15 p.m.: It's about that time. Anthony Davis and LeBron James appear ready.

Locked in pic.twitter.com/EKQF13aFTJ

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 16, 2024

7:07 p.m.: The starting lineups are there.

Starting for the Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas.

Starting for the Lakers: D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

6:45 p.m.: Anthony Davis and LeBron James are officially available to the Lakers tonight. Cam Reddish has been demoted to out and joins Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood on the inactive list.

It's a clean injury record for the Pelicans, who will be at full strength.

6:07 p.m.: Lakers head coach Darvin Ham says: “In all likelihood he will be out there. Absolutely,” when asked about Anthony Davis’ status for Tuesday night.

5:35 p.m.: After suffering back and hip spasms on Sunday, Anthony Davis is gearing up for tonight's game.

Davis said he would definitely play against his former team and he appears to be on track to do so.

4:50 p.m.: The meeting point is still over two hours away, but LeBron James is already on site at the Smoothie King Center and ready to get to work.

LeBron in the building for some #SoFiPlayIn Action 🔥

LAL/NOP tips at 7:30pm/ET on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/I8YzIvcaPk

– NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2024

Lakers vs Pelicans betting odds

According to BetMGM, an authorized NBA gaming operator, the Pelicans opened as 1.5-point favorites over the Lakers.

MORE: TSN's Steph Noh shares his All-NBA expert picks

Lakers vs. Pelicans date, start time, TV channel, live stream

• Date: Tuesday, April 16th
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV channel: TNT
• Live broadcast: loop

In the United States, Lakers vs. Pelicans will be broadcast nationally on TNT. Viewers in the US can also stream Lakers vs. Pelicans on Sling TV.