Los Angeles Lakers News

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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.

Yesterday

Gabe Vincent • PG • Lakers

Gabe Vincent Ruled Out Tuesday, Expected to Return Wednesday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (back) will remain out on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Earlier in the day, the team downgraded Vincent from questionable to doubtful, and he has now been ruled out, marking his ninth consecutive absence. Speaking at his pregame press conference, Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that he expects Vincent to be available for the second leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday versus the San Antonio Spurs. With Vincent out of the rotation, Nick Smith Jr. and Dalton Knecht have seen increased minutes, though neither has emerged as a reliable fantasy option.

2 days ago

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Ruled Out Through Weekend

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis and will also miss Sunday, with a target return early next week, per coach JJ Redick. His continued absence keeps the Lakers' forward rotation thin and elevates Jake LaRavia's short-term fantasy profile. Across his 10 starts this season, LaRavia has averaged 10.5 points on 43.7 percent shooting, 1.0 three-pointer, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 32.5 minutes, offering multi-category deep-league value. Jarred Vanderbilt and Nick Smith Jr. remain secondary options, while usage stays concentrated with Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

6 days ago

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Off the Injury Report Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) will be available to make his return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons, as the team has not included him on the injury report. Last week, Hayes sat out two games due to a sore left ankle. On Monday, Hayes returned to practice and is ready to resume his duties as the backup center to Deandre Ayton, bumping Maxi Kleber down the depth chart. The Lakers' frontcourt has a tough matchup on Tuesday night against Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

Dec 30

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Sits Out Tuesday's Game

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) won't suit up for Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. He recently dealt with a groin issue, missing two games, and the Japanese forward is now bothered by a sore right calf. On Monday, Hachimura couldn't practice, and Tuesday's absence may not be his only one of the week. It appears likely that Jake LaRavia will start in Hachimura's place on Tuesday night. In previous starts this season, the Wake Forest product has notched 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht could also see extra action in the rotation.

Dec 30

Gabe Vincent • PG • Lakers

Gabe Vincent Out Again Sunday With Back Issue

Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (back) will not play Sunday against Sacramento, extending his absence to five straight games after last appearing Dec. 14. Vincent's short-term fantasy impact remains minimal after averaging 6.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 21.3 minutes across his last five outings. With Austin Reaves (calf) sidelined for multiple weeks, Vincent could resurface in a secondary ballhandling role once healthy, but Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart continue to dominate guard usage. Vincent can safely be left on the wire in standard leagues.

Dec 28

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Unlikely to Play Sunday

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is expected to miss a second consecutive game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, as the team has listed him as doubtful on the injury report. Hayes is bothered by soreness in his left ankle. Luckily for the Lakers, they have starting center Deandre Ayton fully healthy and wouldn't need to rely much on Hayes anyway. Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt are backup options at center in a juicy matchup on Sunday against a team that has allowed the most fantasy points in the league to opposing fives in 2025-26.

Dec 28

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Facing Multiweek Absence With Calf Issue

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) has been diagnosed with a grade two left gastrocnemius strain and will be reevaluated in four weeks after exiting Thursday's game against the Rockets. Reaves logged 15 minutes before departing and finished with 12 points, one rebound, one assist, and one block, cutting short his usual rotation role. The Lakers' guard rotation is set to adjust during Reaves' absence, with Marcus Smart positioned for a steadier run after averaging 30.0 minutes, 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in prior games without Reaves.

Dec 27

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Back in Action on Christmas

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (groin) will play on Thursday against the Rockets after missing the last two games. The 27-year-old has played as well as expected throughout the 2025 campaign, averaging 13.3 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 45.6% from behind the arc. Although Hachimura should see at least 30 minutes of action, he may have a tough time remaining as productive, considering LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Luka Doncic (leg) are available. It also doesn't help that the Rockets have been one of the most impactful teams on the defensive side of the ball. At any rate, Hachumira's return should mean Jake LaRavia, coming off a 12-point, five-rebound, two-steal, two-block effort, will presumably head back to the bench.

Dec 26

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Cleared to Play on Christmas Night

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (leg) is available for Thursday's Christmas showdown with the Rockets. He sustained a left leg contusion in the loss to the Clippers on Saturday and didn't suit up on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns. Marcus Smart ended up getting the start in that one, finishing with 14 points and six assists. However, with Doncic back in the equation, Smart will lose most of his fantasy appeal. As far as Doncic is concerned, he's a must-start option, obviously, although he may have trouble hitting his usual fantasy projections in a meeting with one of the top defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.

Dec 26

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Considered Questionable for Christmas Matchup

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas matchup against the Houston Rockets. The 25-year-old big man hurt his left ankle in Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, logging only five minutes. Hayes recently started two consecutive games while Deandre Ayton was sidelined with an elbow injury. Now that Ayton has returned, Hayes offers little fantasy value. If Hayes sits out Thursday, Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt could see increased minutes in the rotation, though neither player is an attractive fantasy option.

Dec 25

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Likely to Return Thursday

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (groin) is set to end a two-game absence on Thursday, as the team has listed him as probable for a matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Japanese forward has missed back-to-back games for groin injury management purposes. Jake LaRavia has been in the starting unit during Hachimura's absence and will likely land back on the bench against Houston, which would negatively impact his fantasy value. Hachimura has been quiet in December, averaging only 9.4 points, a significant drop-off from his season average of 13.3 points per game. Getting buckets won't be easy on Christmas Day either, as Houston has a top-10 defense.

Dec 25

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Listed as Questionable for Christmas Game

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (leg) has been officially listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas game against the Houston Rockets. Doncic is nursing a left leg contusion and wasn't in the lineup on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Doncic is expected to play on Christmas Day, but the questionable designation keeps his status uncertain. Should Doncic be unavailable, Nick Smith Jr. could make a second straight start. Alternatively, the Lakers might return Austin Reaves to the starting lineup; he played 22 minutes off the bench on Tuesday after missing three games.

Dec 25

Jaxson Hayes • C • Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Makes Early Exit Versus Suns

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (ankle) left Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns early due to left ankle soreness, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports. The big man logged only five minutes off the bench, scoring two points and grabbing one rebound. Hayes was back in the second unit due to Deandre Ayton's return to the lineup. Ayton collected a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double on Tuesday while snagging three steals. If Hayes misses time, Maxi Kleber is likely to receive more opportunities to play, but he doesn't hold any fantasy value.

Dec 24

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Is Available Against the Suns

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) missed the last three games with a left-calf strain, but he will be able to return to action on Tuesday against the Suns. His return is well-timed since Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for the contest, giving Reaves a massive role if he's ready to pick it up. Reaves is averaging 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in his 21 games this season, and he has been able to pick up even more work when Luka has been out. Now that we know that he'll play, stay tuned for any updates on whether he has any limitations.

Dec 23

Rui Hachimura • PF • Lakers

Rui Hachimura Misses Second Consecutive Game Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (groin) has been listed as out for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. He has a sore right groin and is considered day-to-day. It's possible Hachimura can return to the lineup on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets. In Tuesday's matchup, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt will cover for Hachimura. LaRavia is the better fantasy option, but Vanderbilt has recently impressed with his rebounding, averaging 7.7 boards per game over the last three contests. It could be another busy night on the glass for him against the Suns, who are ranked 20th in rebounding rate.

Dec 23

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Available Against Suns

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (elbow) has come off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against his former team, the Phoenix Suns. An elbow injury kept Ayton sidelined for two games, allowing Jaxson Hayes to work as a starter. Jarred Vanderbilt also had a larger workload in the frontcourt. He may still see additional action on Tuesday due to Rui Hachimura's (groin) absence. Ayton's last appearance was against the Suns, and he did a good job showing what they are missing. In 30 minutes, the 27-year-old big man had 20 points, 13 rebounds, one block, and two steals in a 116-114 win on Dec. 14.

Dec 23

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves May Return on Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) has picked up a questionable designation on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He has missed three games with a left calf strain but is on the cusp of returning to the lineup. On Monday, Reaves was a limited participant at practice, and the team considers him day-to-day. Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday night, and Reaves could have a massive role on the offensive end if he plays. However, if he remains out, Nick Smith Jr. and Dalton Knecht would presumably play a larger role. The two have not been trustworthy fantasy contributors.

Dec 23

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Out Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (leg) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Doncic injured his left leg in Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and will sit out at least one game. His injury isn't believed to be a long-term issue, as the Lakers consider him day-to-day. According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Doncic has dealt with the same issue several times this season. Dalton Knecht and Nick Smith Jr. could see increased usage due to Doncic's absence, though Austin Reaves (calf) may return on Tuesday and would significantly impact the rotation.

Dec 23

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Exits Early With Left Leg Contusion

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (leg) exited early and did not return against the Clippers, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and 20 minutes. The injury places his short-term availability in question and creates immediate fantasy ripple effects. LeBron James handled the late offense, scoring 36 points in 38 minutes, and remains an elite fantasy option if Doncic misses time. Marcus Smart and second-year forward Dalton Knecht stand to absorb extra minutes and secondary creation. Doncic is still a firm hold, but managers should prepare for usage volatility and possible missed games.

Dec 21

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