Page title background image

Los Angeles Lakers News

WESTERN PACIFIC
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.
6 hours ago   
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.
10 hours ago   
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.
3 days ago   
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.
4 days ago   
Luka Dončić  • PG  •  Lakers

Luka Doncic Ready to Rock Friday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will play on Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets. Initially, it was unclear if he would suit up for the contest after the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. Doncic has been like a man from another planet in March, averaging 36.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.3 steals. He has recorded at least 30 points in 11 consecutive appearances.
4 days ago   
Deandre Ayton  • C  •  Lakers

Deandre Ayton Off Injury Report Friday

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (back) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Nets after missing the team's previous contest with back soreness. He is expected to reclaim his starting role, which pushes Jaxson Hayes back to the bench and limits his streaming appeal. Ayton has averaged 10.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks across his last five games, offering modest value for rebounds and field goal percentage. He remains a viable frontcourt option in standard leagues, especially for managers needing help in rebounds.
5 days ago   
Luka Dončić  • PG  •  Lakers

Luka Doncic Questionable Against Brooklyn

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is questionable for Friday's game against Brooklyn after logging heavy minutes recently, including a 43-point effort with four three-pointers, six rebounds, and seven assists in 38 minutes last game. If he sits, Austin Reaves and LeBron James would be in line for increased usage after combining for 48 points and 17 assists in their last outing. Reaves could see more on-ball duties, while James may handle more playmaking. Luke Kennard could also see extra minutes as a fringe streaming option if the Lakers are shorthanded.
5 days ago   
Deandre Ayton  • C  •  Lakers  |  Jaxson Hayes  • C  •  Lakers

Deandre Ayton Won't Play Wednesday, Jaxson Hayes Starts

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (back) will miss Wednesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. He was a late addition to the injury report due to back soreness, and the Lakers have downgraded Ayton's status ahead of tip-off from questionable to out. Jaxson Hayes will move into the starting lineup. As a starter, Hayes has significantly improved his numbers, averaging 11.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
6 days ago   
Luka Dončić  • PG  •  Lakers

Luka Doncic Set to Play Monday Against Pistons

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic will be available for Monday's game against Detroit after the league rescinded his 16th technical foul, removing the automatic one-game suspension. Doncic continues to deliver elite fantasy production, averaging 39.8 points, 5.4 three-pointers, 7.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 2.6 steals across his last five games while logging 39.2 minutes. He remains a must-start in all formats and a clear first-round value. Austin Reaves should continue seeing consistent touches as a secondary creator, while LeBron James remains heavily involved offensively.
Mar 22   
Luka Dončić  • PG  •  Lakers

Luka Doncic Facing One-Game Suspension

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is expected to miss Monday's game against Detroit after picking up his 16th technical foul Saturday, though the team has reportedly filed an appeal. The Slovenian superstar dominated in his last outing, recording 33 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals. With 38.1 percent of the team's usage vacating the lineup, Austin Reaves and LeBron James become elite DFS plays. Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia are viable short-term streamers in deep formats for three-point and defensive contributions. Expect a significant usage bump for Reaves, who currently averages 34.5 minutes per game.
Mar 22   
Austin Reaves  • SG  •  Lakers

Austin Reaves Cleared to Play Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (hip) is available for Saturday's game against Orlando after being added to the injury report with left hip soreness. Reaves should continue handling a secondary playmaking role, though his fantasy ceiling remains tied to the presence of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Over his last five games, he has averaged 21.8 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 4.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 40.6 minutes. He remains a solid hold in standard leagues, with fantasy managers able to rely on his consistent mid-round production.
Mar 21   
Austin Reaves  • SG  •  Lakers

Austin Reaves Added to Injury Report Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (hip) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Magic due to left hip soreness, his first injury concern since February. If he sits, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard could see increased minutes. LaRavia logged 18 minutes with five points, one three-pointer, six rebounds, one assist, and one block in the last game, making him a possible deep-league streamer. Luka Doncic would likely handle more playmaking duties, while LeBron James could also see a slight usage increase. Reaves remains a must-start if cleared.
Mar 20   
Austin Reaves  • SG  •  Lakers

Austin Reaves Cleared to Play Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (forearm) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat after being listed as questionable due to a right forearm contusion. Reaves finished with 14 points, eight assists, and one block in 39 minutes last game, but his 15.4 usage rate shows he takes more of a secondary role when Luka Doncic and LeBron James are both active. He remains a solid fantasy hold for assists and efficiency but carries a capped scoring ceiling. Doncic and James should continue dominating the offense.
Mar 19   
Luka Dončić  • PG  •  Lakers

Luka Doncic Good to Go Against Miami

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hip) will play Thursday against the Heat despite dealing with minor soreness, keeping the superstar active during a critical stretch of the fantasy playoffs. Doncic is coming off a dominant 40-point performance with nine rebounds and 10 assists in 38 minutes against Houston, reinforcing his elite first-round fantasy value. Managers should continue to treat him as a locked-in lineup cornerstone. LeBron James should continue sharing high usage, while Austin Reaves (forearm) could see fewer playmaking chances if his injury allows him to suit up.
Mar 19   
LeBron James  • SF  •  Lakers

LeBron James Available Thursday Against Heat

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat after being listed as questionable on the second night of a back-to-back. The 41-year-old continues to produce at an elite level, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 34 minutes in Wednesday's win over Houston. He remains a must-start fantasy anchor during the playoffs given his workload and all-around production. Luka Doncic should continue sharing primary usage, while Austin Reaves (forearm) could see slightly fewer on-ball reps with James active.
Mar 19   
Austin Reaves  • SG  •  Lakers

Austin Reaves Uncertain for Thursday's Game Against the Heat

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (forearm) was listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup in Miami, joining LeBron James (foot) and Luka Doncic (hip), who also have questionable tags. If Reaves plays and either or both of the other two stars sit, he'll have a very high ceiling against the Heat, but there's also a chance that the Lakers sit all three stars. If Reaves doesn't play, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard could step in and pick up more work. Reaves has played big minutes lately, but he has been quiet offensively, while Luka and LeBron have carried most of the work.
Mar 19   
LeBron James  • SF  •  Lakers

LeBron James Questionable for His Return to Miami

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) may not be taking his talents to South Beach after all--at least not for Thursday's game against the Heat. James was listed as questionable for the second game of the team's back-to-back, along with Luka Doncic (hip) and Austin Reaves (forearm). If any one or two of the three play, they'll have a large workload, and if all three sit, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard could step in and pick up more work. For LeBron specifically, Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia would likely step up at forward, making them good plays against the up-tempo Heat on Thursday if James gets the night off.
Mar 19   
Luka Dončić  • PG  •  Lakers

Luka Doncic Listed as Questionable for Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hip) was listed as questionable for the second game of his team's back-to-back on Thursday. After beating the Rockets on Wednesday, the Lakers listed Doncic, LeBron James (foot), and Austin Reaves (forearm) each as questionable for Thursday's game in Miami. Doncic had 40 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in Wednesday's win, but he had to play 38 minutes. He also played big minutes against Houston on Monday in another win. Doncic and the Lakers have won seven straight, and during that span, Luka has averaged 38.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks across 37.4 minutes per game. With such a heavy workload, the Lakers could get him a day off on Thursday in Miami. If he's out, James or Reaves could pick up more work if available, but if the Lakers rest all their stars, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Bronny James could be in the mix for more opportunities.
Mar 19   
Maxi Kleber  • C  •  Lakers

Maxi Kleber Likely Out Longer with Back Injury

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Maxi Kleber (back) is expected to remain sidelined as he continues recovering from a lumbar issue, extending a recent stretch of missed games. Kleber has logged limited minutes when available this season, leaving little direct fantasy fallout from his absence. Jarred Vanderbilt should continue handling the backup frontcourt role, while Drew Timme could mix in for spot minutes when the Lakers go deeper into the rotation. Deandre Ayton's role remains unchanged as the starting center. Given Kleber's minimal workload, he can remain on waiver wires in most formats, with Vanderbilt only holding deep-league streaming appeal for rebounds and defensive stats.
Mar 13   
LeBron James  • SF  •  Lakers

LeBron James Returns to Action Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot, hip) will return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The veteran superstar has dealt with several health issues recently, missing three games. Rui Hachimura has been a starter during James' absence and will likely drop back to the bench for Thursday's tilt. James had a 24-point outing in his first meeting with the Bulls this season. He has averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals since making his 22nd All-Star appearance.
Mar 12   
LEGEND