Los Angeles Lakers News

WESTERN PACIFIC

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Listed as Questionable for Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (hip, foot) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The veteran star didn't practice on Monday due to a right hip contusion and arthritis in his left foot. James also dealt with an elbow injury last week and has missed two games. If he can't return on Tuesday night, Rui Hachimura will continue to start. The Japanese forward finished Sunday's win over the New York Knicks with 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block. James' absence also leaves more minutes available to Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia. At the same time, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who combined for 60 of the Lakers' 110 points on Sunday, dictate the offense.

13 hours ago

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Sits Out Practice on Monday

According to Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet, head coach JJ Redick said forward LeBron James (elbow, foot) didn't practice on Monday but is still considered day-to-day. James has missed two straight games due to a left elbow contusion and arthritis in his left foot, and could also miss Tuesday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. If he doesn't suit up, Rui Hachimura will likely start again, while Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia could also see additional minutes.

14 hours ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Removed From Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is set to play on Sunday against the New York Knicks after the team removed him from the injury report. Ayton hurt his left knee in Thursday's loss to Denver and didn't play on Friday night against Indiana. But luckily for the Lakers, Ayton's absence will be limited to one game. With Ayton back in the lineup, Jaxson Hayes will return to the bench. Drew Timme's playing time also takes a hit, and it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't see any action in Sunday's contest. Having drawn criticism recently, Ayton might be motivated to make a statement against the Knicks, but he'll be up against a team that has limited centers to the fourth-fewest fantasy points this season.

2 days ago

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Listed as Questionable for Matchup With Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (elbow, foot) has a questionable designation on the injury report for Sunday's clash against the New York Knicks. After sustaining an elbow contusion, James sat out the second game of a back-to-back on Friday against Indiana. Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters James will likely return to the lineup on Sunday, but the questionable tag leaves his status uncertain. James' absence from the lineup gave Rui Hachimura an opportunity to start on Friday night. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia are also in line for more work if James doesn't return on Sunday.

2 days ago

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton is Ruled Out for Friday's Game

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Ayton won't play after exiting during the first half of Thursday's contest due to a left knee injury. The severity is unknown, but the Lakers are likely just being cautious in the second leg of this back-to-back set. His absence will mean increased roles for Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes on Friday. Hayes finished with 19 points and five rebounds across 27 minutes of action on Thursday. He figures to be a safe streaming choice with Ayton and LeBron James (elbow) both out on Friday.

3 days ago

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Won't Suit Up on Friday

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. James was forced to sit out during the fourth quarter of Thursday's game due to a left elbow injury. It appears to be significant enough to keep him out of the second leg of this back-to-back set. The severity of the injury is unknown right now, but his next chance to play will come on Sunday. The Lakers are expected to use a committee approach to fill the void left by James. That means Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt should all see increased playing time. Among the three, LaRavia is probably the most consistent option for fantasy managers seeking a streaming option on Friday.

3 days ago

Maxi Kleber • C • Lakers

Maxi Kleber Unavailable Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Maxi Kleber (back) will miss the first game of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. He was listed as questionable on the initial injury report due to back soreness. Kleber was also considered questionable for Tuesday's meeting with New Orleans before getting the green light to play. Yet Lakers head coach JJ Redick elected not to use Kleber in that game. It wasn't surprising, as Kleber doesn't have a consistent role with the Lakers. Even if the German veteran returns to the lineup on Friday against the Indiana Pacers, he might receive another DNP-CD.

4 days ago

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Available Versus Sacramento

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Kings. The King had 22 points, nine assists, and seven boards in 28 minutes in the 129-101 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. He popped up on the injury report because of the infamous foot issue. However, that won't keep him off the floor. James has a chance to do something meaningful for fantasy managers, considering Sacramento isn't the best defensively, although his overall contributions could be less than usual if the Lakers build a decisive lead throughout the contest.

Mar 1

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Set to Return Against Kings

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (illness) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Kings after missing two contests. The 28-year-old is averaging 9.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 triples over his last five games in 27.0 minutes and should slide back into a steady rotation role. If LeBron James (foot) sits, Hachimura could push past 26 minutes and gain streaming appeal in points leagues. Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt would see slightly reduced upside with Hachimura active.

Mar 1

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Questionable Against Kings

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Kings after appearing in the first half of a back-to-back set. The 41-year-old is averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 33.2 minutes, and his potential absence would shift usage toward Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Jake LaRavia logged 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes during the last outing, making him a viable streamer, while Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura would profile as deeper-league adds if James sits.

Mar 1

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Good to Go Thursday Night

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against Phoenix after previously carrying a probable tag. Hayes is averaging 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.3 minutes this season and should slot back into his usual reserve role behind Deandre Ayton. His availability likely trims frontcourt minutes for Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt, limiting their deep-league appeal. Hayes remains a fringe option outside of very deep formats, offering modest rebounding and field-goal percentage support without consistent volume.

Feb 26

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Ruled Out Thursday

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com, Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (illness) won't suit up against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday due to an illness. The 28-year-old is averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in 29.5 minutes per contest across 47 outings this season. With Hachimura on the shelf, a sizable amount of minutes could be available for players like Luke Kennard or Jack LaRavia. Luke Kennard has had most success recently draining at least one three-pointer in eight of his last nine appearances.

Feb 26

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Sidelined on Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will not play Tuesday against the Orlando Magic due to a sprained right ankle. His next opportunity to return comes Thursday versus the Phoenix Suns. With the 25-year-old sidelined, Deandre Ayton should continue handling the bulk of the minutes at center. Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber are expected to absorb most of the backup minutes, though neither projects as a strong fantasy option in Tuesday's matchup.

Feb 24

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Unlikely to Play Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is doubtful for Tuesday's matchup against Orlando after exiting early in the recent loss to Boston due to ankle discomfort. The 25-year-old reserve is unlikely to be available, keeping Deandre Ayton entrenched as the primary center. Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber would handle backup minutes if Hayes sits, though neither profiles as a reliable fantasy option. Vanderbilt logged three points and five rebounds in 11 minutes last game, while Kleber saw just three minutes. This remains a low-impact situation, except in deeper leagues.

Feb 24

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Leaves Game After First-Quarter Injury

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will not return to Sunday's loss against the Celtics after suffering a right ankle injury in the first quarter. His availability for Tuesday against Orlando is uncertain. Hayes typically logs around 18 minutes off the bench, so his absence is unlikely to move the needle much in standard fantasy formats. Jarred Vanderbilt logged 11 minutes and posted three points and five rebounds, while Maxi Kleber saw only three minutes. Vanderbilt is the more viable deep-league streamer if Hayes misses time, though Deandre Ayton should continue handling the bulk of center minutes.

Feb 23

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Back in Starting Five

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) will start Friday against the Clippers after working his way back from a strained right calf that sidelined him for 19 games. The 27-year-old has appeared in five of the last six contests and is averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 threes in 25.4 minutes over his last five outings. With the Lakers at full strength alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton, Reaves profiles as a strong hold in standard formats, though usage may fluctuate in a balanced offense. Marcus Smart shifts back to a secondary role.

Feb 20

LeBron James • SF • Lakers

LeBron James Upgraded to Available Friday vs. Clippers

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (knee) will play Friday against the Clippers after being added to the injury report earlier in the day. The 41-year-old remains a high-end fantasy anchor, producing 21.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds across 35.8 minutes per game in his last four outings, with one triple-double and three double-doubles in that span. With Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton also active, usage should remain balanced, but James' 28.5 percent role keeps him locked into elite territory. Austin Reaves can settle back into his usual secondary playmaking role, while Rui Hachimura's upside remains limited with the starters healthy.

Feb 20

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Expected to Play Friday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Clippers after missing four contests before the All-Star break. He saw limited action during All-Star weekend and could have his workload managed in his first Lakers appearance since Feb. 5. In his last five games, Doncic averaged 26.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 3.6 3-pointers in 28.4 minutes, carrying a 37.6 percent usage rate. He remains a must-start in all formats, though managers should monitor minutes. Austin Reaves and LeBron James may see slightly reduced on-ball volume with Doncic back.

Feb 20

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Cleared to Return Friday

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Clippers after missing two contests before the All-Star break. With the roster back to full strength, Ayton is expected to reclaim his starting role, pushing Jaxson Hayes to the bench. Over his last five games, Ayton has averaged 12.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 27.5 minutes, offering steady rebounding with modest usage behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James. He profiles as a mid-tier center hold, while Hayes loses short-term streaming appeal.

Feb 20

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Returns For All-Star Game On Minutes Cap

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will start Sunday's All-Star Game but is expected to play limited minutes in the opening matchup only. The 26-year-old missed the Lakers' final four games before the break with a mild left hamstring strain, though his participation signals progress ahead of Friday's meeting with the Clippers. Doncic averaged 26.0 points, 3.6 threes, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 28.4 minutes over his last five contests. Fantasy managers should anticipate a full workload next week, trimming short-term upside for Austin Reaves and LeBron James.

Feb 15

Los Angeles Lakers News

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