An important injury update on LeBron James was announced ahead of the LA Lakers' NBA Cup game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The soon-to-be 41-year-old veteran forward was listed as out on the injury report owing to a right sciatica injury. He was confirmed to miss his 13th consecutive game after he also remained sidelined from the training camp.The Lakers recently assigned James to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. The four-time NBA champion carried out his first five-on-five practice on Wednesday and then followed it up with another session on Thursday.Lakers insider Dave McMenamin revealed that after completing back-to-back full five-on-five practices, his first in six months, James reported zero discomfort and experienced no setbacks whatsoever. This marked the most significant update yet on James, who continues to ramp up his workload as he eyes to make his season debut later this month.The Lakers are currently on a five-game road trip, with LeBron James staying back in Los Angeles. The Purple and Gold have two more games remaining (including the Pelicans contest) before returning home. It remains to be seen whether James will be ready in time to make his season debut during the Lakers' first home game after their five-game road trip.Meanwhile, Rookie Adou Thiero has been upgraded to "questionable," putting him in a position to potentially make his season debut on Friday. The 6-foot-8 forward has missed all the previous 12 games owing to a left knee injury. On the flip side, Gabe Vincent remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain.How to watch LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans? (2025 NBA Cup)The LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA Cup game will take place on Friday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. PT).The Lakers vs. Pelicans game will be telecast live on the Spectrum SportsNet LA (local) and Gulf Coast Sports (local). Live streaming will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website.