103-111
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
18-12|L10: 7-3
Golden
State Warriors
16-15|L10: 4-6
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LAL • Forward • #23
2 months ago
Due to a nerve issue in his right glute, James was unavailable when the Lakers opened training camp and did not play in Friday’s exhibition against the Warriors. According to Charania, the 40-year-old star forward has been diagnosed with sciatica and will not be available when the regular season begins. Despite his production over the years, James should not have gone earlier than the third round in fantasy drafts before Thursday’s update. Look for the news to knock him further down draft boards, with Austin Reaves’ value receiving a boost. Luka Dončić is already considered a top-5 pick by many, so LeBron’s extended absence is unlikely to be any change to his draft prospects.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Forward • #23
2 months ago
James has been unavailable due to a glute issue, and Redick’s comments indicate no sense of urgency to get him back on the court for LA before the regular season tips off. James is expected to be ready for the season-opener against Golden State on October 21, though fantasy managers should continue to monitor his health in the coming weeks.
Source: Jordan Richard
GSW • Center • #21
2 months ago
After providing limited production in Sunday’s preseason opener, Post went off on Wednesday. In the fourth quarter alone, he shot 4-of-7 from the field, combining with LJ Cryer (14/1/2/1 with three three-pointers) to spearhead a rally in which the Warriors outscored Portland by a 51-26 margin. With the addition of Al Horford (two rebounds and two assists), Post is likely locked into a reserve role this season. However, he’ll still play rotation minutes and will be worth streaming on nights when Horford isn’t available. Horford did not play both games of back-to-backs in either of the last two seasons.
GSW • • #
2 months ago
Butler’s minutes have been kept in check during Golden State’s first two preseason games. He logged 17 minutes on Wednesday after playing 15 in Sunday’s win over the Lakers. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has taken a similar approach with Stephen Curry (11/4/3 with two three-pointers) and Draymond Green (9/1/2 with two three-pointers), which is unsurprising given the trio’s experience and understanding of what needs to be done to prepare for the regular season. Golden State’s outlook changed significantly last season after acquiring Butler, due to his consistent ability to get to the foul line. As long as he’s available consistently, the veteran forward can be a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
GSW • Guard • #7
2 months ago
Hield was in better form Wednesday night after shooting 1-of-4 from three in Golden State’s preseason opener on Sunday. The veteran guard came off the bench to shoot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc against the Trail Blazers, finishing as one of three Warriors reserves in double figures (Quinten Post and LJ Cryer were the others). Regarding fantasy value, Hield is in a difficult spot due to his status as a reserve. While he’ll undoubtedly play rotation minutes, his value depends on whether he can get hot from deep.
LAL • Forward • #33
2 months ago
LaRavia hit 5-of-10 shots in this one and had a minimal impact on the defensive end, making this a disappointing performance. Perhaps he can occasionally provide a few points for LA off the bench this season, but he’s unlikely to see enough playing time or usage to be worth rostering outside of deep fantasy basketball leagues.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton attempted only two shots in his Lakers debut on Friday, but he fired off eight on Sunday. He made only three of those, which is far from ideal from a player of his size, but the offensive aggression is a step in the right direction. Ayton’s offense isn’t a major concern heading into the regular season, though even if he struggles in that department, fantasy managers can rely on his rebounds and blocks to bolster his floor.
GSW • Center-Forward • #42
2 months ago
Horford became the final piece of the new-look “Olden State” Warriors when he inked a multi-year deal at the end of September. The 39-year-old brings veteran leadership, floor spacing, solid defense and a high basketball IQ to a team looking to maximize the final seasons of Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry.
GSW • Forward • #00
2 months ago
With a deal finally completed on Tuesday, Kuminga took the court just five days later to open up the preseason with Golden State. He turned in a well-rounded line across limited minutes. Kuminga will be a major trade asset for Golden State beginning in January, so it’s likely the Warriors give him ample playing time this season as he auditions for his next gig.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
After agreeing to a contract buyout with the Trail Blazers, Ayton agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers with a player option. Taking on the starting center role on a roster that will, once everyone is available, include Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, Ayton can offer top-100 fantasy value, even if he’s the fourth option on most nights. However, Friday’s performance was a letdown, especially with Dončić and James unavailable. Ayton only attempted two shots from the field, which cannot happen under those circumstances. The good is that he was active on the glass and recorded three “stocks,” but the 7-footer must be more involved offensively.
LAL • Guard • #15
2 months ago
With Luka Dončić and LeBron James sitting out, Reaves shouldered even more offensive responsibilities in Friday’s preseason opener. Unsurprisingly, he was up to the task, scoring efficiently despite being the focal point of Phoenix’s defensive attention. While Dončić and James will again be the primary playmakers, Reaves can provide excellent fantasy value, having been a top-50 player last season. Fantasy managers should anticipate similar production this season, with Reaves’ value receiving a boost on nights when Dončić and/or James are unavailable.
GSW • Guard • #14
2 months ago
Having agreed to a deal with the Warriors earlier this week, Melton is unlikely to be available when the team begins its regular season on October 21. He suffered an ACL injury six games into the 2024-25 season and is still recovering. On Wednesday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that he hopes Melton will be available “sometime in the next couple of months,” so fantasy managers should assume him to be out indefinitely. While Melton has solid fantasy value when available, the injury question mark makes him someone who should not be selected in drafts.
Source: Tim Bontemps
LAL • Forward • #23
2 months ago
According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, James is dealing with a nerve issue in his glute, hence the 40-year-old’s absence to begin training camp. The goal is for him to be fully healthy for the Lakers’ October 21 season opener against the Warriors, and the Lakers are exercising caution with James’ ramp-up process. “It’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game,” Redick said, according to ESPN. “He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body and he’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute. So, we’re just playing the long game with LeBron.” While he’s managed to fend off Father Time for this long, continuing to play at a high level, LeBron will turn 41 in December. He may not be a player you can select in the first round of standard drafts, but James’ early ADP places him in second-round territory.
GSW • Forward • #00
2 months ago
After months of rumors, the Kuminga saga has come to an end... for now. The two-year deal has a player option “designed for the contract to be ripped up and renegotiated next summer.” It’s unclear if the Warriors will be able to get a long-term deal done with Kuminga next summer, but it’s worth noting that Shams adds, “both sides understand likelihood of exploring trades when Kuminga is eligible in January.” Assuming he has another productive campaign, Kuminga should have no shortage of suitors when it’s time to re-negotiate his contract.
Source: Shams Charania
GSW • G • #61
3 months ago
Spencer is back with the Warriors on a two-way deal after appearing in 39 games last season. He only averaged 6.4 minutes per game in those appearances and is likely ticketed for a similar role in 2025-26.
Source: Anthony Slater
GSW • Forward • #00
3 months ago
Contract negotiations have continued over the last few months, but Golden State hasn’t been able to finalize anything with Kuminga. With the deadline to accept his qualifying offer on Wednesday, there should be resolution this week, and if you trust Draymond as a source, Kuminga’s preference would be to remain with the team that drafted him. Obviously, the contract is the holdup.
Source: Nick Friedell
LAL • Guard • #8
3 months ago
The Hornets waived Smith on Thursday, and it didn’t take long for him to find a new home. His first two seasons were a struggle after Charlotte drafted him 27th overall in 2023, but he’ll get a fresh start in Los Angeles. Smith showed some flashes of upside, and he’ll get the opportunity to develop in the G League for most of this season.
Source: Khobi Price
GSW • • #
3 months ago
Richard was selected with the No. 56 pick in June and had a few decent performances in summer league. Now, he’ll occupy a roster spot for Golden State, which bodes well for his future with the team, since he won’t be on a two-way deal. Still, there isn’t a pathway for him to play a large role this season.
Source: Shams Charania
GSW • • #
3 months ago
We’re finally getting some resolution in Golden State. Al Horford committed to a contract earlier in the day, and now both GP2 and Melton have done the same. Rumors throughout the summer hinted at all three signing with the Warriors, but they’ve all been playing the waiting game as the team figures out what to do with Jonathan Kuminga. The verbiage implies none of them have officially signed a contract, but they’ll likely actually sign once there is a resolution on Kuminga’s situation. Melton started last season with the Warriors before tearing his ACL, and the Warriors traded him to the Nets, though he never suited up for them.
Source: Shams Charania
GSW • Center-Forward • #42
3 months ago
There have been reports over the past few months that Horford would eventually sign with Golden State, but everyone was waiting on the Jonathan Kuminga situation to be resolved. However, with preseason games set to begin this week, they went ahead and got him under contract. Horford will turn 40 next summer, and while he is still able to play at a high level, it does come as a slight surprise that this isn’t just a one-year deal. He’ll likely play a large role in the frontcourt as the Warriors look to build a contending team.
Source: Shams Charania