Los Angeles Lakers News

WESTERN PACIFIC

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves to Remain Out Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) will miss a seventh consecutive game on Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets. He continues to rehab a left oblique strain, and it still isn't clear when Reaves can return. On Monday, he was spotted at practice, taking part in light activities, so there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for Reaves. The Lakers have started the postseason without two key performers, as Luka Doncic (hamstring) hasn't been able to contribute either. With the star guards sidelined, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart combined for 42 points in Saturday's Game 1 victory. Additionally, LeBron James made sure to balance scoring with playmaking, recording a 19-point, 13-assist double-double.

11 hours ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Still Out Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will remain sidelined on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. The six-time All-Star remains out indefinitely with a left hamstring strain. However, he took part in light activities during Monday's practice, a sign that Doncic is progressing in his recovery. With Austin Reaves (oblique) also out, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have more responsibilities in the Lakers' backcourt. Kennard was fantastic in Saturday's series-opening 107-98 win with a game-high 27 points, nailing all five attempts from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Smart contributed in all areas of the game, finishing with 15 points, two rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks.

11 hours ago

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Available Saturday Night

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (foot) will return to action on Saturday against the Houston Rockets. The former Texas Longhorn didn't play in the last four regular-season games due to a foot injury, but the Lakers haven't included him on the injury report ahead of their playoff opener. Hayes finished the regular season strong, averaging 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in his last seven appearances. It would be a major boost for the injury-hit Lakers if they could get the same level of production from Hayes in the playoffs. Hayes' role during the regular-season series against Houston was minimal, as he contributed 0.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game over two contests.

3 days ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers |

Cade Cunningham • PG • Pistons

Cade Cunningham, Luka Doncic Cleared for Awards Eligibility

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic are now eligible for all 2025-26 season honors, according to Shams Charania, after winning their Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge to the 65-game rule. Both remain elite fantasy anchors, with Doncic averaging 33.5 points, 4.0 three-pointers, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.6 steals, while Cunningham posted 23.9 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 5.5 rebounds, 9.9 assists and 1.4 steals across 64 games. This removes any award-related uncertainty in keeper formats. Anthony Edwards was denied, slightly lowering his end-of-season accolade outlook.

4 days ago

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Ready for Game 1 Against Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (foot) intends to play in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, Corey Hansford of Lakers Nation reports. The big man missed the final four regular-season games due to a foot injury, but he was back at practice on Tuesday. "Feeling a lot better," Hayes told reporters. "It was nice getting a few days off, especially with my job, I jump a lot and run a lot. So it's hard for me to rest something like that. So getting those days off was much-needed, very helpful." He added that he wasn't worried about missing the start of the postseason. Hayes has occasionally outperformed starting center Deandre Ayton late in the season, and his role may grow during the playoffs. Across 66 regular-season outings, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game.

6 days ago

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Slated to Miss at Least One More Week

According to Khobi Price of The California Post, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) is expected to be sidelined at least one more week due to a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury. Luka Doncic (hamstring) will also remain on the shelf indefinitely due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and both players are at risk of missing the first round of the playoffs versus Houston. In the meantime, LeBron James will continue to carry an increased offensive workload while Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart are in line to see an uptick in scoring opportunities.

6 days ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Set to Miss at Least One More Week

According to Khobi Price of The California Post, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will miss at least one more week. Doncic remains sidelined indefinitely and is at risk of missing the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. It looks like, for the foreseeable future, LeBron James will be relied upon to shoulder the bulk of the Lakers' offensive workload. Luke Kennard will also continue to see an expanded role in the backcourt.

6 days ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic to be Re-Evaluated on Tuesday

Shams Charania of ESPN reported on the Pat McAfee Show that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Tuesday. The 27-year-old traveled to Spain over the past week to receive a series of injection treatments for his Grade 2 hamstring strain. Charania added that Doncic is expected to miss the start of the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, which begins Saturday in Los Angeles. A clearer timetable should emerge following his re-evaluation. In the meantime, LeBron James (foot) will be relied upon to shoulder the bulk of the offensive workload.

7 days ago

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Active for Season Finale

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against Utah, and the team has confirmed he will play. Head coach JJ Redick noted that no player is expected to exceed low-30s minutes, while Marcus Smart will be on a minutes restriction in his second game back. James has averaged 28.0 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 7.7 rebounds, and 12.7 assists in 34.2 minutes over his last three games, but the expected cap adds DFS risk. With Austin Reaves (oblique) and Luka Doncic (hamstring) sidelined, Rui Hachimura should maintain a steady role.

Apr 12

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Ready to Return Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's clash against the Golden State Warriors. Due to a foot issue, James sat out Tuesday's loss to Oklahoma City. The legendary forward finished his most recent outing against Dallas with 30 points, nine rebounds, and 15 assists. His offensive usage went through the roof with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) out of the lineup. James will be the main man again on Thursday night, dictating the offense alongside Luke Kennard.

Apr 8

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes a Late Scratch Against Thunder

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (foot) won't play on Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers have lost another body from the rotation, as Hayes popped up on the injury report an hour before tip-off. The big man is experiencing soreness in his left foot. With Hayes unavailable, starting center Deandre Ayton could be in for a very busy night. Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme will get an opportunity to log more minutes off the bench. Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura could also see some time at center. Unfortunately for Ayton & Co., this is a brutal matchup against a team that allows the fewest points per game to centers this season.

Apr 7

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Sidelined on Tuesday

According to Khobi Price of The California Post, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is unavailable for Tuesday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He will sit out due to foot injury management. With James, Luka Doncic (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique), and Marcus Smart (ankle) all sidelined, significant minutes should be available for Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Jake LaRavia. Hachimura should handle the bulk of the scoring load, while Kennard and LaRavia profile as the strongest short-term streaming options.

Apr 7

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic to Undergo Hamstring Treatment in Europe

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will seek specialized treatment in Europe for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and remains out for the rest of the regular season, though the move is aimed at a possible postseason return. His absence keeps LeBron James in a primary creator role after a 30-point, nine-rebound, 15-assist line in 39 minutes last game, making him an elite hold. Rui Hachimura, who finished with 21 points and seven rebounds, and Jake LaRavia, who added 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals, look like strong streaming options. Managers in deeper leagues can also monitor Luke Kennard for extra minutes and three-point production.

Apr 6

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Out for Remainder of Regular Season

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, meaning he is out for the remainder of the 2025-26 regular season. The Lakers announced on Saturday that Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury. His injury is a cruel blow for the Lakers, who just lost Luka Doncic (hamstring). With the team's two top scorers out of the lineup, Lakers head coach JJ Redick plans to build the offense around LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. Meanwhile, Bronny James Jr. and Kobe Bufkin could begin to receive steady minutes in the backcourt.

Apr 4

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Out Indefinitely With Hamstring Injury

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will be out indefinitely, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The Slovenian superstar injured his left hamstring in Thursday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and will sit out the remainder of the regular season. His status is uncertain beyond that. This is a massive blow for the Lakers, who have enjoyed a great spell during the second half of the season with Doncic leading the way. The team will now lean more on Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Meanwhile, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart (anke) are expected to handle heavier workloads.

Apr 3

Marcus Smart • PG • Lakers

Marcus Smart to Miss Sixth Straight Game

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (ankle) will miss Thursday's game against Oklahoma City, extending his absence to six straight games because of a right ankle contusion. His continued absence keeps Jake LaRavia in the starting lineup after he logged 14 points, seven rebounds, and two three-pointers in 38 minutes during the last outing, making him a viable deep-league streamer for rebounds and low-end scoring. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves should continue handling most of the backcourt usage, while LaRavia's secure minutes give him short-term value until Smart is cleared to return.

Apr 1

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Set to Play in Cleveland Matchup

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) will play Tuesday against Cleveland after initially being listed as questionable for injury management. Even at 41, he continues to deliver steady fantasy production, averaging 16.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 35.6 minutes over his last five games. He is also coming off a 21-point triple-double Monday, another reminder of his all-around impact. James' availability keeps Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in their usual roles, and he remains an automatic fantasy start whenever he is active.

Mar 31

Marcus Smart • PG • Lakers

Marcus Smart Out Against Cavs

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is unavailable for Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will miss his fifth consecutive contest due to a right ankle contusion, with his next opportunity to return coming Thursday versus Oklahoma City. With Smart sidelined, Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia should continue to see increased opportunities. Kennard could be viewed as a solid short-term streaming option after recording 19 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 23 minutes during Monday's 120-101 win over Washington.

Mar 31

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic to Serve One-Game Suspension Monday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (suspension) will miss Monday's game against Washington after drawing his 16th technical foul, triggering an automatic one-game ban. His absence should funnel more usage to Austin Reaves, who posted 26 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four three-pointers in 40 minutes during Friday's win, making him a strong DFS and category-league play. Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia could see deeper-league streaming appeal if Marcus Smart (ankle) sits. LeBron James also gets a slight playmaking bump. Doncic remains a must-hold elite option and should return Tuesday.

Mar 28

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Available After Two-Game Absence

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) will rejoin the action Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers will have the Japanese forward back in the lineup after he missed two games due to right calf injury management. Hachimura's productivity and playing time have noticeably declined since the All-Star break, as he's averaged 8.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game. Jake LaRavia has seen more time on the floor in the last couple of games and will likely have a lighter workload with Hachimura back in the fold.

Mar 27

Los Angeles Lakers News

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