121-94
FINALDallas
Mavericks
13-17|L10: 6-4
Los
Angeles Lakers
18-12|L10: 7-3
-
//
Sports
- All Players
- Seasons
Eastern Conference
Western Conference
More
Sign in
Sign in and connect Sleeper to unlock personalized fantasy insights.
DAL • F • #25
about 2 months ago
As reported on Wednesday afternoon, Flagg will start at point guard in his official NBA debut. The Mavericks will use a “jumbo” starting lineup, with Washington starting at the three and point guard D’Angelo Russell coming off the bench. Washington’s fantasy ceiling is raised with the starting opportunity, while Russell remains a hold with Kyrie Irving (knee) unavailable.
Source: Mike Curtis
DAL • F-C • #21
about 2 months ago
Downgraded from questionable to doubtful Tuesday evening, Gafford is officially out for Wednesday’s season opener. His absence does not impact the starting lineup, as Dereck Lively II was locked in at the center position, but it does impact Dallas’ bench. Dwight Powell should serve as the backup center, but the Mavericks can also use Anthony Davis when Lively is not in the game. There’s no need to consider streaming Powell.
Source: Mike Curtis
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić put up a massive stat line in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors, tallying 43 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, one blocked shot and two three-pointers in 41 minutes. Wednesday’s practice session was brief, so the star guard was not on the court too long. The Lakers don’t play again until Friday against the Timberwolves, so he’ll have another day to recover. With LeBron James (sciatica) out, the Lakers cannot afford to lose Dončić for any amount of time.
Source: Dan Woike
LAL • Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
Starting for the injured LeBron James in Tuesday’s season opener, Vincent could not get going against the Warriors. In addition to only attempting four shots, he did not prove valuable in any fantasy category. While Vincent still played 29 minutes, Marcus Smart played 23 off the bench and finished with nine points (3-of-6 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs) and one steal. James isn’t expected back until some point in November, so players like Vincent, Smart and Jake LaRavia (five points, three rebounds and one three-pointer in 16 minutes) will need to pick up the slack. None are great fantasy managers currently, but the situation makes them worth watching.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
Ayton made his final three field-goal attempts of the night, getting him into double figures in his official Lakers debut. However, the first three quarters were disappointing by any measure, as he struggled to find his way. With LeBron James (back) unavailable, Ayton should have more offensive opportunities. However, that doesn’t matter if he doesn’t take advantage. Ayton will look to rebound when the Lakers host the Timberwolves on Friday.
LAL • Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
The third quarter was the only period Reaves struggled, missing all three of his shot attempts. However, that factored into the Warriors building a lead that the Lakers could not erase, as Golden State outscored L.A. by a 35-25 margin. Reaves was 4-of-4 from the field in the fourth quarter, capping a productive night overall, but the Lakers don’t have much margin for error with LeBron James (back) unavailable. James’ absence pushed Reaves up fantasy draft boards and rightfully so, as he and Luka Dončić have to shoulder even more of the offensive workload.
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
With many of his teammates not getting going until well into the second half, Dončić was left to do most of the heavy lifting in the first half. The Lakers star put up 27 shots on the night, with Austin Reaves being the only other Laker to reach double digits in attempts. Dončić finished one assist shy of a triple-double, and with LeBron James (back) out for a few more weeks, nights like Tuesday may become the norm. While that’s great for those who have Dončić rostered in the short term, that could prove problematic down the line, considering he played a career-low 50 games last season due to injury.
DAL • F-C • #21
about 2 months ago
Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Gafford is doubtful to play due to a right ankle sprain. Given the downgrade, fantasy managers should play for him not to play. If that is the case, Dereck Lively II’s minutes may increase, and there will be moments when Anthony Davis is asked to slide down to the center position. AD getting some time at center would also boost the fantasy profiles of PJ Washington and Naji Marshall.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DAL • F-C • #21
about 2 months ago
Gafford hurt his ankle during the Mavericks’ first day of training camp and has been sidelined since. However, there is a chance that he is available to start the year. If Gafford plays, he’ll likely back up Dereck Lively II and split the center minutes. If he doesn’t, Lively will likely play a larger role, with Anthony Davis filling out the center minutes when Lively is on the bench.
Source: Christian Clark
LAL • Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Kleber, who was initially listed as questionable for the season opener, will not miss at least the first eight games of the year and could certainly be sidelined longer. Part of the trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, Kleber played five minutes in the playoffs last year and 10 minutes during a preseason game last week. That’s been the extent of his availability for the Lakers. His absence should lead to a few extra minutes for Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Forward • #4
about 2 months ago
A no-brainer decision. Even if Knecht hasn’t been great, he’s been serviceable enough for them to not cut his rookie contract short. This will be a big season for him if he hopes to earn a larger deal in the future.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Center-Forward • #11
about 2 months ago
Hayes was forced to prematurely exit Friday’s preseason finale due to a right wrist injury. However, it wasn’t a serious injury, as evidenced by his absence from the injury report for Tuesday’s opener. Hayes will serve as Deandre Ayton’s backup and is not worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Dealing with an abdominal muscle strain, Kleber is questionable for Tuesday’s season opener. He’s yet to make his Lakers debut, as the veteran forward was injured when included in the Luka Dončić trade, and Kleber did not play at all during the preseason. Even if he’s available Tuesday night, Kleber is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball due to the amount of time missed.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DAL • Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Cisse, who was not selected in the 2025 draft after five seasons at Memphis, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss, was in training camp with the Mavericks. The 6-foot-11 center did enough to earn a two-way deal, and he should spend most of his time with the Texas Legends of the G League. This transaction does not impact fantasy basketball.
Source: Michael Scotto
LAL • Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
After offering little production in his unofficial Lakers debut on Tuesday, Smart was considerably better on Friday. Eight of his 11 shot attempts came from beyond the arc, an area where the veteran guard has been inconsistent for most of his NBA career. The hope for the Lakers is that Smart can shoot as well as he did in 15 games for the Wizards last season, making just over 39 percent of his attempts. Playing alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and (when healthy) LeBron James should help get Smart clean looks. However, given the career numbers, he’s a career 32.4 percent shooter from deep, so the chances he approaches 40 percent from three are slim.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
While Ayton finished Friday’s preseason finale a rebound shy of a double-double, he and Luka Dončić still need to improve their chemistry on the offensive end of the floor. That’s likely to remain a work in progress, but the Lakers need them to click sooner rather than later due to the fact that LeBron James (sciatica) is out. In theory, his absence should raise Ayton’s fantasy ceiling, but the 7-footer cashing in on the opportunity is not guaranteed.
LAL • Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
With LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined for at least four weeks, the Lakers have a massive hole to fill in their starting lineup ahead of the regular season. Vincent will fill the void, as Lakers head coach JJ Redick said before Friday’s game that the starters will also start Tuesday’s season opener. Against the Kings, he shot 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, providing shooting on a night when Austin Reaves (8/4/8/2) missed all seven of his three-point attempts and shot 3-of-15 from the field overall. Vincent is unlikely to provide much value outside of points and three-pointers if allowed to start. But he may be able to offer end-of-week value to managers needing production in those categories.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić was excellent in the Lakers’ final preseason game, shooting efficiently and committing only three turnovers in 32 minutes of play. With LeBron James (sciatica) unavailable for the next few weeks, Dončić’s already high fantasy value may increase slightly in the short term. While Luka only played in two preseason games, he was effective in both, a surefire sign that he’s ready for the regular season. The Lakers play three games during Week 1, beginning with the Warriors on Tuesday.
LAL • Center-Forward • #11
about 2 months ago
While it’s unknown exactly when Hayes injured his right wrist during the first half, the Lakers center did throw down multiple dunks in his eight minutes of action. Shooting 3-of-4 from the field, he finished with six points, four rebounds and one steal. Hayes will be the backup center when the regular season begins, so a potential absence would have minimal impact on fantasy basketball.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
Donĉić, Reaves and Ayton are back in the Lakers’ starting lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Mavericks. While Hachimura is an expected starter once the regular season begins, that isn’t necessarily the case for Vincent. However, he’s played well as the preseason has progressed, potentially giving him a chance to earn the right to fill the void left by the injured LeBron James. Jarred Vanderbilt, who did not play on Wednesday, is back and will come off the bench. He’s another option to step into the starting five when the Lakers host the Warriors on Tuesday.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAL • Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
Vincent got the starting nod on the second night of a preseason back-to-back, since Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves got the night off. Vincent started off hot, scoring 18 points in the first quarter alone. He didn’t add much after that, but it was a strong performance for him. However, he won’t get the chance to play enough to replicate this level of production often.
LAL • Center-Forward • #11
about 2 months ago
Hayes started at center for the Lakers in this game with Deandre Ayton sitting out the second night of the preseason back-to-back. He returned to the Lakers on a one-year deal and should fill out the reserve minutes for them this season, which won’t leave him an opportunity to have nights like this one often.
DAL • C • #2
about 2 months ago
Lively’s preseason hasn’t been great during the preseason, but this game was a nice example of how productive he can be in fantasy basketball as long as Daniel Gafford (ankle) remains sidelined. There hasn’t been a reason for him to play big minutes, but in what was a “dress rehearsal” game, Lively did this in 25 minutes. He should easily outplay his 10th round ADP in Yahoo! leagues.
LAL • Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
Vanderbilt had a solid first half, so it is disappointing that an injury will end his night early. Vanderbilt will likely be an important reserve for the Lakers this season, so hopefully this is precautionary. More minutes will go to Jake LaRavia if Vanderbilt misses time during the regular season.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Forward • #23
about 2 months ago
The expectation was that LeBron would return in early November, but they may push that timeline back by a couple weeks if needed. There’s no reason to rush the 40-year-old back, which means the Lakers will rely on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves even heavier than normal until James is back in the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
If this is the type of production that Ayton can provide this season, he will have a chance to be really productive in fantasy hoops. He’s locked in as the starting center for the Lakers, which is a good opportunity for him to bounce back after a forgettable season in Portland, which led to him being bought out.
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
2 months ago
Doncic played his first preseason game for the Lakers and was immediately able to pour in the points. He was matched by Austin Reaves to lead the Lakers in scoring, and he did it in 22 minutes. Doncic appears to be ready to start the season strong after dominating in EuroBasket, which is important for Los Angeles with LeBron James set to miss time.
LAL • Guard • #36
2 months ago
Smart suited up for the Lakers for the first time, and he didn’t contribute much of anything in the box score. He was a nice veteran addition for Los Angeles, but his first appearance wasn’t an encouraging one for fantasy managers. His only opportunity to provide value this season may be as a streamer if the Lakers are missing multiple starters.
DAL • • #
2 months ago
Kidd has been with Dallas since 2021 and will remain with the team for at least a few more seasons. Kidd will be tasked with getting this team back to the Finals after they lost in the play-in tournament this past season, which came after losing to Boston in the championship the year prior. Without Luka Doncic, Kidd will look to have this team win now and in the future with Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving leading the way.
Source: Marc Stein
DAL • F-C • #3
2 months ago
Davis had a well-rounded performance on Monday in his third preseason game as a Maverick. He recorded preseason-highs in minutes and points while finishing as the game’s leading scorer. Offensively, the veteran forward showcased his versatility by converting efficiently both inside and outside the arc throughout the contest. At the same time, his pair of blocks and steals are precisely what have helped make him a high-ceiling fantasy basketball option throughout his career. Davis should be in line for a stellar fantasy season.
DAL • F • #13
2 months ago
On the heels of a 13-point outing against the Hornets, Marshall was one of the most productive members of the Mavericks’ bench against the Jazz on Monday. He scored efficiently and needed just seven shot attempts to nearly reach 20 points and finish as Dallas’ second-best scorer. Marshall is coming off a career-best season as a scorer, although he shot poorly from beyond the arc last season. If he can find his touch from deep, he has a chance to enjoy another productive season in his second campaign with Dallas.
DAL • F • #25
2 months ago
With D’Angelo Russell out against the Jazz, Washington gets the spot start in the Mavericks’ third preseason game alongside Flagg, Davis, Lively II and Klay Thompson. The super-sized starting unit could allow Flagg, the 2025 first-overall pick, to get reps as the team’s point guard. He’s scored in double figures in each of the first two preseason games and displayed rebounding and playmaking abilities in his minutes.
Source: Marc Stein
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
2 months ago
Reaves has played in two of the Lakers’ three preseason games so far, but Doncic and Smart have yet to suit up. This will be Smart’s first time suiting up for the Lakers, while Doncic will be playing for the first time since EuroBasket.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton had another strong line in the victory, marking arguably his best game of the preseason. Ayton teased a double-double while getting teammates involved and putting in work on the defensive end. Numbers like this would make him a very attractive nightly option in 2025-26 fantasy hoops.
DAL • G • #0
2 months ago
Exum, who agreed to a one-year deal in July that did not become official until late August, has not participated in training camp or either of Dallas’ two preseason games with a sore right knee. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said Saturday that the team was cautiously approaching the guard’s recovery but did not offer a timeline for his return. With Kyrie Irving (knee) also out, there may be room in the rotation for Brandon Williams once he returns from his hamstring injury. That isn’t enough to make Williams a draftable option in most leagues, but Dallas’ current point guard depth chart enhances D’Angelo Russell’s early-season value.
Source: Mike Curtis
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