Los Angeles Lakers News

WESTERN PACIFIC

Marcus Smart • PG • Lakers

Marcus Smart Sidelined Thursday Against Raptors

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (back) will stay sidelined Thursday against Toronto, marking his fourth straight absence and leaving the backcourt thin with Luka Doncic (personal) also out. Gabe Vincent, Jake LaRavia, and second-year wing Dalton Knecht should again handle the leftover minutes, though all remain fringe deep-league flyers rather than standard-league streamers. Knecht produced 13 points and four rebounds in his last outing, while Vincent and LaRavia continue to offer muted, low-volume lines.

12 hours ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Ruled Out on Thursday Due to a Personal Matter

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (personal) won't play on Thursday versus the Toronto Raptors. The 2018 No. 3 overall pick is playing at an MVP level, averaging a career-high 35.3 points with 8.9 assists and 8.9 rebounds. His next chance to suit up will be on Friday in Boston. However, with Marcus Smart (back) also ruled out on Thursday, Gabe Vincent may handle most of the work at the point, giving him streaming value for at least one game. LeBron James, averaging only 15.2 points in his five appearances, should also take on more of the ball-handling duties, potentially increasing his usage and scoring opportunities.

Yesterday

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Leaves Game With Knee Soreness

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) exited Sunday's game and did not return after appearing uncomfortable during a brief stint, putting his availability for upcoming contests in question. Any missed time would bump Jaxson Hayes into a larger role, though he remains more of a fringe option outside deep formats. Hayes has averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block across two spot starts while shooting 90.9 percent from the field in 31.1 minutes, making him a reasonable speculative stream if Ayton is sidelined.

3 days ago

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Taking the Night Off on Sunday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) won't play on Sunday against New Orleans. James missed the start of the 2025 campaign due to Sciatica, returning for the win over the Utah Jazz on November 18. While he's not 100%, he's still playing as well as expected, most recently amassing 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal in Friday's NBA Cup clash with the Dallas Mavericks. James has a nagging left foot injury dating back to last season, so he'll take the night off versus the 3-17 Pelicans before potentially suiting up for Monday's meeting with the visiting Phoenix Suns. Without him, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves should handle most of the scoring, with Deandre Ayton also in line for an uptick in offensive opportunities against one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.

4 days ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Won't Play Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. He sustained a knee contusion in Sunday's win over the Utah Jazz, exiting after only 13 minutes. Prior to Sunday's matchup, Ayton was on a nice run of three consecutive double-doubles. He has averaged 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds in 29.2 minutes as a Laker this season. When Ayton missed his first game of the season earlier this month against the Miami Heat, Jaxson Hayes started in his place. He had 15 points, five rebounds, and one block. Hayes is likely to get the starting nod again on Tuesday, with Maxi Kleber taking over backup duties. The Clippers allow the eighth-most fantasy points in the league to centers, making this a good matchup for Hayes.

Nov 25

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Will Play on Tuesday Night

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (back) will play on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz. The multi-time All-Star averaged 24.4 points last season, his fewest since his rookie campaign, adding 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.0 steals. While James isn't as productive as he used to be, which is expected, he should always be featured in all fantasy lineups. That will remain true even if the 40-year-old doesn't receive a full allotment of minutes on Tuesday night, as he works his way back from Sciatica. With that said, it will be interesting to see how James' presence impacts Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are both having the best seasons of their careers.

Nov 19

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Aims to Make Season Debut Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) is still considered questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Utah Jazz. However, ESPN's Shams Charania reports that James is aiming to make his season debut this evening. He has been dealing with sciatica on his right side. Barring any setbacks, fantasy managers should expect the Lakers to decide on the 40-year-old's status right before tip-off. If he is good to go, his minutes on the floor will likely be restricted.

Nov 18

Gabe Vincent • PG • Lakers

Gabe Vincent Set to Suit Up Tuesday

Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports that Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (ankle) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Utah Jazz. Vincent has been out of action since October 26 due to a left ankle sprain. Across three appearances this season, the 29-year-old has averaged 3.7 points, 2.3 assists, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per contest. In his return, Vincent will be assigned to a reserve role and won't provide enough production to make an impact in fantasy this evening.

Nov 18

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Officially Listed as Questionable for Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's tilt against the Utah Jazz. He logged a full practice with the team on Monday and could be ready to make his season debut in Tuesday's game. James has recently also logged additional practice sessions with the Lakers' G League team, so he should be in good shape after dealing with sciatica on his right side. However, it would be surprising if the team didn't monitor his minutes when he returns. If James can't make it back on Tuesday night, he will have a lot more time to prep for his 2025-26 debut, as the Lakers would then be off until Sunday, when they have a rematch with the Jazz.

Nov 18

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Participates in Practice on Monday

According to Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (leg) was a full participant in practice on Monday. Besides returning to practice, James recently completed a successful G League assignment, during which he got extra practice time. However, the 40-year-old is still considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Jazz. If James remains out of action, fantasy managers should still expect Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the Lakers' offense Tuesday evening.

Nov 17

Marcus Smart • PG • Lakers

Marcus Smart Out With Illness Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (illness) will miss Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team has ruled him out due to illness. Smart has had a strong eight-game stretch as a starter, averaging 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.6 steals. In his absence, Bronny James Jr. will make his second career start in Saturday's game. This is a big opportunity for James Jr. to make an impression after averaging only 12.1 minutes across eight contests so far this season. The 21-year-old should be fresh for the contest after being in the rotation in only one of the last three games.

Nov 16

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Won't Play on Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) will miss Saturday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. He will exit the lineup following a busy night on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Hachimura is on the injury report with calf soreness, but it's safe to assume that the team is simply resting him for the season leg of a back-to-back. Jake LaRavia will replace Hachimura in the first unit. The 24-year-old has been a productive player as a starter this season and will have extra fantasy value on Saturday night. In five previous starts, LaRavia has averaged 12.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals.

Nov 16

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Out on Friday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) will remain out for Friday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. James has yet to play this season but recently completed his first full practice and 5-on-5 session, suggesting a return could come by mid-to-late November. With James sidelined, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will continue to carry the offense and remain must-start options in all fantasy formats. Doncic has averaged 30.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.5 rebounds over his last two outings, while Reaves has contributed 18.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds on solid efficiency. In deeper leagues, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart are still playable as complementary scoring and defensive streamers.

Nov 14

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Practices Thursday Without Lingering Pain

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) was able to practice with the G-League South Bay Lakers on Thursday without any lingering pain from the day before, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. If James is able to continue progressing without pain then he may be able to join the NBA squad for a practice on Monday. This is welcome news for James and the Lakers as LA has started to hit a bit of a rough patch. The 40-year-old missed all of training camp and hasn't been able to make his season debut yet. The Lakers would greatly welcome his presence as soon as he's able to hit the court. While he's out, continue to expect elevated box scores from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the main drivers of LA's offense. When he's able to return, expect decreased minutes for Marcus Smart.

Nov 14

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Practices With G-League Team

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) practiced with the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, on Wednesday. "He was able to participate in the practice," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. "Got up and down a little bit with just some, like, warmup transition drills and progressed to five-on-five in the half court, and got, I think about 12 to 15 possessions of live five-on-five contact." James' ability to do some five-on-five work marks a big step toward his return to game action. According to Redick, James "looked good" during the practice. The four-time MVP has missed the first few weeks of the season due to sciatica on his right side and is expected to sit out at least two more games.

Nov 13

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Upgraded Ahead of Monday's Matchup

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves (groin) has been upgraded to probable ahead of the team's Monday night matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Reaves has been an integral piece of the team's 7-3 start to the season. He leads all Lakers with 37.9 minutes per game. The 27-year-old has averaged 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as he helps steer the ship until LeBron James (back) returns. Reaves should be started in all formats, as he continues to reward fantasy owners who took a chance on him coming into the season.

Nov 10

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Uncertain for Monday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (groin) is considered questionable for Monday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets. A right groin strain could keep Reaves sidelined for a fourth consecutive game. Jake LaRavia has been starting during Reaves' absence and will continue to have additional fantasy value if he remains out on Monday. Over the last three games, LaRavia has averaged 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 steals. On Monday, LaRavia's productivity may even improve, considering the Hornets are ranked 24th in defensive efficiency while playing with the fourth-fastest pace in the league.

Nov 9

Maxi Kleber • C • Lakers

Maxi Kleber Will Make Season Debut Saturday Night Against Hawks

Los Angeles Lakers center Maxi Kleber (oblique) has been upgraded to available for Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Kleber will be making his season debut for LA after being out since January dealing with multiple injuries. The 33-year-old had generally been a low volume option for the Mavericks with his PPG dwindling down to 3.0 last season. Fantasy managers looking for help at center may want to wait and see how the Lakers intend to use Kleber before putting him into action. It's likely his on court impact may be more valuable than his fantasy impact going forward.

Nov 8

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Out Again on Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (groin) won't play on Saturday versus the Atlanta Hawks. The 27-year-old has had a phenomenal 2025 campaign thus far, averaging 31.1 points, 9.3 assists, and 1.4 steals. Unfortunately, he'll now miss his third straight game because of a groin injury. Only time will tell if he will be healthy enough to return on Monday night in Charlotte. In the meantime, Luka Doncic should handle even more of the scoring load. Marcus Smart, who had 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in Wednesday's win over the San Antonio Spurs, will continue to be worth streaming in all fantasy formats.

Nov 7

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James to Miss at Least Five More Games

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) is set to miss at least five more games. Sources have told ESPN that James won't join the team for its upcoming road trip, which begins on Saturday in Atlanta and ends in Milwaukee on Nov. 15. This leaves James' earliest possible return date as Nov. 18, when the Lakers face the Utah Jazz. Last week, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he expects James "back sometime in that second or third week in November." Despite being without the NBA's all-time leading scorer, the Lakers have made a 5-2 start to the season. Once James is ready to play, he wil become the first player in history to compete in 23 NBA seasons.

Nov 6

Los Angeles Lakers News

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