Los Angeles Lakers News

WESTERN PACIFIC

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Not Ready to Return Monday

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Chicago as he continues to work back from a left calf strain. Reaves has advanced to full-contact practice, but the Lakers are opting for caution with his return, eyeing Wednesday as his next chance to play. His absence keeps Marcus Smart in a stable rotation role. Over his last five games, Smart is averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers in 28.6 minutes, making him a serviceable short-term fantasy hold. LeBron James and Luka Doncic also maintain elevated usage.

2 days ago

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Nearing Return on Lakers Road Trip

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (ankle) is trending toward a return after taking part in a scrimmage Saturday. He still needs to clear another full-contact practice before being available. His earliest chance to suit up comes Monday in Chicago, with optimism that he rejoins the lineup at some point on the road trip. Reaves' eventual return reshapes the backcourt rotation, trimming the short-term fantasy appeal of Marcus Smart, who has averaged 14.2 points, 2.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 28.6 minutes over his last five starts. Smart shifts back to a secondary role once Reaves is active.

3 days ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Available for Battle of Los Angeles

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (eye) will play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The former first-overall pick left Tuesday's win over the Denver Nuggets early after being poked in the eye, but the Lakers didn't include him on the injury report for Thursday's game. Before Tuesday night, Ayton had produced three double-doubles in four games. He has a mediocre fantasy matchup on Thursday.

6 days ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Exits Early With Eye Injury

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (eye) made an early exit against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. The big man was poked in the eye late in the second quarter and sat out the rest of the game. Ayton finished with four points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes. Jaxson Hayes and Drew Timme filled the gap at center in the second half. "He got poked in the eye," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. "He looks like a pirate. His eye is not in good shape, but we're hopeful that it's just the bare minimum -- just a poke in the eye -- and he'll be back tomorrow." The Lakers return to action on Thursday night against the Clippers. Although Redick seemed optimistic about Ayton's availability for the Clippers game, it wouldn't be a shock if he appeared on the injury report.

7 days ago

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Returning on Sunday

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is available ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Hayes is back in the rotation after missing the last three games due to a left hamstring issue. He figures to play his regular role in the rotation with fellow big man Deandre Ayton (knee) active as well. The return of both big men will probably mean decreased roles for Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme. This season, Hayes is averaging 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 17.6 minutes per game. He's normally only playing minutes in the teens, which isn't going to offer high streaming appeal.

Jan 18

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Active on Sunday

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is active ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Ayton is back in the mix after sitting out the front end of the back-to-back set due to left knee soreness. He's back in the mix and expected to have a full workload for Sunday's slate. In January, Ayton is averaging nearly a double-double with 11.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in eight games. The big man is going to miss some games for rest purposes, but is a viable fantasy option when he's healthy. Fantasy managers should feel safe plugging Ayton into their lineups on Sunday.

Jan 18

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Questionable for Saturday's Tilt

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has landed on the injury report with a questionable designation ahead of Saturday's favorable fantasy matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Only five teams have allowed more fantasy points to centers than the Trail Blazers, but Ayton may have to sit this one out due to a sore left knee. Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is also questionable for the game, meaning Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme could be the Lakers' lone natural options at center. The team may also turn to Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt to fill out some of the minutes at the five position.

Jan 17

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Won't Play Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (groin) has been ruled out for Saturday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. The NBA's leading scorer is dealing with soreness in his left groin and will sit out at least one game. This is the front end of a back-to-back for the Lakers, so it's possible Doncic is simply getting some time off to rest. LeBron James' offensive usage will increase on Saturday, and Deandre Ayton (knee) may also get more scoring opportunities if he shakes off a questionable tag. Kobe Bufkin and Gabe Vincent are the prime candidates to fill in for Doncic in the starting unit.

Jan 17

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Available Tuesday Night

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (groin) will play on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks. The Lakers conclude a back-to-back with this matchup, and it was initially uncertain if Doncic would play after the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. Ahead of tip-off, the Lakers have upgraded Doncic's status to available. Doncic eased his way to 42 points on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings and has averaged 34.0 points for the month. Additionally, he has notched 7.2 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game in January.

Jan 14

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Cleared to Play Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot, sciatica) will be active against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. The team has upgraded James' status from questionable to available. James is good to go for the second leg of a back-to-back after putting in a 33-minute shift in Monday's loss to the Sacramento Kings. The legendary forward, who turned 41 on Dec. 30, has started 2026 strongly, posting 27.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Jan 14

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura to Be Limited to 18 Minutes Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) will have his playing time restricted to 18 minutes on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports. On Monday against the Sacramento Kings, Hachimura was cleared to make his first appearance of the new year, but he didn't see any action off the Lakers' bench. It looks to be a different story on Tuesday as the Lakers complete a back-to-back. However, fantasy managers won't get full value from Hachimura, whose season average for minutes stands at 32.5 per game.

Jan 14

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Unavailable Against Hawks

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) is unavailable for Tuesday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks due to left hamstring soreness. The Lakers are being careful with Hayes and will have him sit out the second night of this back-to-back set. With Hayes out of action, Deandre Ayton may take on extra minutes. At the same time, Jarred Vanderbilt could have more opportunities to contribute than he usually does during this evening's clash in Los Angeles.

Jan 13

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Considered Questionable For Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. James could get the evening off due to managing soreness in his foot and back, as the Lakers are on the last set of back-to-back games. He finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal across 33 minutes during a 124-112 loss to Sacramento on Tuesday. Luka Doncic (thigh/groin) is also in danger of missing the contest as he is dealing with a thigh and groin issue.

Jan 13

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Questionable For Tuesday

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (thigh/groin) said he had treatment for his inner thigh/groin area during the second half in Monday's 124-112 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Doncic is unsure if he will be able to play through the injury against the Hawks this evening. Even with the setback, the star guard still put up 42 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and four steals. If the 26-year-old is unable to suit up, Jake LaRavia may be in line for extra minutes. Typically, Rui Hachimura would play in place of Doncic, but his minutes will be limited as he returns from a calf injury that kept him sidelined for seven games.

Jan 13

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Optimistic to Return vs. Kings

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) is trending toward a return Monday against Sacramento, with head coach JJ Redick expressing optimism Friday. Hachimura has not played since Dec. 28 and could face a minutes restriction initially. His return carries clear fantasy ripple effects. Jake LaRavia, who thrived during the absence, averaged 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.5 three-pointers in 36.2 minutes over the last six games, delivering third-round nine-category value. That production likely regresses with Hachimura back, pushing LaRavia toward streamer status.

Jan 10

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Ready to Face Bucks

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot/sciatica) will play on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA's all-time leading scorer has received a couple of upgrades throughout the day and has now officially been listed as available for the game. James will return from a one-game absence, and as a result, Jarred Vanderbilt must likely settle for a bench role on Friday night.

Jan 10

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Remains Out Friday

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) will miss a sixth consecutive game on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Although Hachimura was first listed as questionable and seemed close to returning, his status has now been downgraded to out. Jake LaRavia has offered good fantasy value as Hachimura's replacement in the starting lineup. The Wake Forest product has averaged 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals over the past five games.

Jan 10

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Upgraded to Probable

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is now considered probable for Friday's action against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team initially listed him as questionable on the injury report. The fact that James was upgraded to probable indicates he is likely to return to the lineup after a one-game absence. While James has ridden the backseat for most of the campaign, he has started 2026 in dominant fashion. Across three January appearances, the veteran star has produced 29.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. It's been a remarkable run, given that James turned 41 on Dec. 30.

Jan 9

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Questionable Friday Against Bucks

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot/sciatica) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Milwaukee after sitting out the second half of a back-to-back on Wednesday. The Lakers expect a decision closer to tipoff, and indications lean toward availability. If James sits, Luka Doncic would continue to shoulder the offense after posting 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in 38 minutes on Wednesday. Jake LaRavia logged an extended run with 16 points and four three-pointers, while Jaxson Hayes added 10 points and seven rebounds. James remains a high-end fantasy play, with availability the only variable to watch.

Jan 9

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Considered Questionable For Wednesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. James is dealing with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica injury. Tonight's contest is the second half of a back-to-back, and the Lakers may decide to sit him for maintenance. The 41-year-old veteran finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one block, and two steals in a 111-103 win over the Pelicans on Tuesday.

Jan 7

Los Angeles Lakers News

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