
SAC • Forward-Center • #11
about 2 months ago
Sabonis only had to miss one game after straining his right hamstring during the preseason. His return to action means Drew Eubanks, who played 22 minutes in Wednesday’s season-opening loss to the Suns, will head back to the bench. Also, rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell will likely see their opportunities decrease after totaling 26 minutes in the opener.
Source: Frankie Cartoscelli

LAL • Center-Forward • #11
about 2 months ago
Hayes popped up on the injury report late in the afternoon on Friday, so his chances of taking the court against Minnesota are certainly up in the air. If he’s unable to go, Jarred Vanderbilt would presumably see an uptick in playing time behind starter Deandre Ayton.
Source: NBA Injury Report

SAC • Forward-Center • #11
about 2 months ago
Sabonis was sidelined for the season opener, but it could end up only being a one-game absence for him. Drew Eubanks got the start at center on Wednesday and would likely start again if Sabonis remains out. Eubanks only played 22 minutes, but he had four points, four rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Both players practiced on Thursday, though Reaves wasn’t a full participant. However, both players will be good to go after they combined for 69 points and 18 assists on Tuesday. They’ll need to continue to carry the offense until LeBron James returns.
Source: Jovan Buha

LAL • Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
There hasn’t been an official designation for Reaves yet, but there shouldn’t be much concern based on Redick’s comments. Luka Doncic was also a full participant in practice, so both guards should be good to go against Minnesota. They combined for 69 points and 18 assists in the season opener.
Source: Dave McMenamin

SAC • Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
Having agreed to a one-year deal on October 15, Westbrook played 19 minutes off the bench in his Kings’ debut. While the rebound production was solid, he did not shoot the ball well, which has often been said about Westbrook in recent years. Dennis Schröder (14/1/7/2/1 with two three-pointers in 30 minutes) is the starter and will remain in that role for the foreseeable future. That doesn’t bode well for Westbrook’s fantasy ceiling, which will remain extremely low due to his place within the rotation.

SAC • Guard • #0
about 2 months ago
Monk returned to the Kings’ rotation after missing the final two preseason games due to an illness. He looked sharp offensively, shooting the ball well and scoring 19 of Sacramento’s 37 bench points. Even though he came off the bench, Monk is a more valuable option to fantasy league managers with Keegan Murray (thumb) and Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) unavailable. With spot starters Nique Clifford and Drew Eubanks (4/4/0/2/4) combining to score six points, the Kings needed someone to step up. Although it was in a losing effort, Monk answered the call. Rostered in 36 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he’s worth adding while Murray and Sabonis are out.

SAC • Guard-Forward • #10
about 2 months ago
DeRozan and Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks were locked in an entertaining back-and-forth throughout Wednesday’s game, but the veteran scorer did not let the trash talking derail him. DeRozan only missed five field-goal attempts on the night, shooting 11-of-15 from inside the arc. The issue for him was the foul line, with the Kings guard/forward going 4-of-9. DeRozan is a career 84.2 percent shooter from the charity stripe, so it’s safe to assume nights like Wednesday won’t become the norm. Also, the rebounds and assists compensate for the low free-throw percentage.

SAC • Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
While LaVine struggled with his three-point shot, making just two of ten attempts, he was nearly unstoppable from two. The veteran wing shot 11-of-14 from inside the arc, with six occurring in the restricted area. LaVine did not provide much value outside of points and field-goal percentage, but few fantasy managers will turn down a 30-point night. While he offers a relatively safe fantasy floor, LaVine also has a low ceiling, which explains his Yahoo! ADP of 62.

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.

SAC • Guard-Forward • #10
about 2 months ago
DeRozan was held out of Friday’s preseason finale against the Lakers due to a sore groin. He’s been given a clean bill of health, so the veteran wing will occupy his usual place within the Kings’ starting lineup. Fantasy managers need to ensure DeRozan is in their lineups before they lock.
Source: NBA Injury Report

SAC • Forward • #3
about 2 months ago
The Kings will be without three frontcourt players for Wednesday’s opener, as Jones joins Keegan Murray (thumb) and Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) on the injury report. Jones misses out on the opportunity to play rotation minutes off the bench, meaning the Kings will require more of Drew Eubanks and Dario Šarić, with Dylan Cardwell potentially receiving some playing time.
Source: NBA Injury Report

SAC • Guard • #71
about 2 months ago
Limited to individual work during Monday’s practice with a left ankle injury, Schröder is good to go for Wednesday’s opener. He’ll serve as the Kings’ starting point guard, giving the veteran a shot at achieving fantasy relevance. Schröder performed well to begin last season but took a step back when he was traded from Brooklyn to Golden State. He did bounce back in Detroit to end the season, but that was as Cade Cunningham’s backup.
Source: NBA Injury Report

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

SAC • Guard • #71
about 2 months ago
Schröder injured his left ankle during the third quarter of Sacramento’s preseason finale on Friday. While he did return to the game, the veteran point guard being limited to individual work two days before the season opener is concerning. With Russell Westbrook only being signed over the weekend, expectations should not be too high for him, especially since he did not play during the preseason. Nique Clifford, whose minutes increased after the Kings lost Keegan Murray (thumb), and Keon Ellis will have added importance if Schröder can’t play on Wednesday in Phoenix.
Source: Frankie Cartoscelli

SAC • Forward • #3
about 2 months ago
Under normal circumstances, Jones’ absence from practice would not be something for fantasy managers to worry about. However, with Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) and Keegan Murray (thumb) out, there’s a legitimate chance Jones will be asked to play rotation minutes when the regular season begins. Sacramento visits the Suns on Wednesday. Jones is unlikely to have an impact in standard fantasy leagues, but he’s worth tracking in deep formats.
Source: Frankie Cartoscelli

SAC • Forward-Center • #11
about 2 months ago
Sabonis injured his hamstring during Wednesday’s exhibition against the Clippers, exiting during the fourth quarter. He has since been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain and will be evaluated in one week, meaning the Kings will be without their starting center for at least the first two games of the regular season. Drew Eubanks started Friday’s preseason finale and will likely hold onto that role, with Dario Šarić and rookie Maxime Raynaud providing depth off the bench.
Source: Marc J. Spears

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.

SAC • Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
With Malik Monk (illness) out for the second straight game, Ellis was Sacramento’s best option off the bench Friday night. And he put on a show from deep, shooting 6-of-9 while finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete line. Even if Monk is back for Wednesday’s regular-season opener, Ellis’ defensive ability should get him more playing time with Keegan Murray (thumb) unavailable. Fantasy managers considering selecting Ellis with a late-round pick should do so with the understanding that nights like Friday have not been the norm for him offensively. Especially with DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis among the starters, as neither played on Friday.

SAC • Guard • #71
about 2 months ago
Despite a third-quarter injury scare in which Lakers center Deandre Ayton landed on his foot after attempting to block a shot, Schröder returned to the game and played 28 minutes in the one-point victory. Even with the recent signing of Russell Westbrook, Schröder will be the Kings’ starting point guard when the regular season begins next week. The issue is that he’s rarely been anything more than a late-round option in standard fantasy leagues. Schröder’s status as the starting point guard will get him selected in most fantasy drafts, but managers need to keep their expectations in check.

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

SAC • Forward-Center • #15
about 2 months ago
Schröder and LaVine are the only expected starters in the lineup for Sacramento’s final game of the preseason. DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis are out due to injury, with Murray being the one guaranteed not to be available when the regular season begins next week. Of the three replacements, Clifford is the one to watch, as the rookie may be asked to take on a more prominent role, even if he comes off the bench once the games truly count.
Source: NBA Lineups

SAC • Guard • #0
about 2 months ago
Monk will miss a second consecutive preseason game due to illness. With Keegan Murray (thumb) sidelined, Monk is one of the potential replacements in the starting lineup. Keon Ellis is also in the mix, and the absences will likely push him into the starting five for Friday’s preseason finale at a minimum. Rookie Nique Clifford’s playing time may increase, and his name is one to file away for the future due to the positional versatility.
Source: James Ham

SAC • Guard-Forward • #10
about 2 months ago
DeRozan has a sore groin, so he will not play in Friday’s preseason finale. The question is whether the issue is severe enough to threaten his status for Sacramento’s October 22 regular-season opener against the Suns. Sacramento will already be without Keegan Murray (thumb), and it’s possible Domantas Sabonis also misses the start of the season after straining his hamstring on Wednesday.
Source: James Ham

SAC • Forward-Center • #11
about 2 months ago
Sabonis suffered a mild hamstring strain during Wednesday’s exhibition loss to the Clippers. With Keegan Murray already sidelined for four weeks, the Kings could begin the regular season down two frontcourt starters. Dario Šarić started Wednesday’s game in Murray’s place, and an absence for Sabonis could lock him in as a starter. Drew Eubanks and Maxime Raynaud would also see their playing time increase if Sabonis misses games.
Source: Chris Haynes

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.

SAC • Forward-Center • #9
about 2 months ago
In Sacramento’s first game without Keegan Murray, Saric got the starting nod. He didn’t provide much statistically, and if he remains in the starting lineup, he won’t be worth streaming. The opportunity seems good, but it’s best to leave Saric on the waiver wire.

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

SAC • Forward-Center • #11
about 2 months ago
It’s the fourth quarter of a preseason game, so hopefully this is just precautionary for Sabonis. An update should be provided in the coming days, but if he is held out of any regular season games, Drew Eubanks and Maxime Raynaud would be next in line to fill out the center minutes.
Source: Jason Anderson

SAC • Forward-Center • #11
about 2 months ago
It’s the fourth quarter of a preseason game, so hopefully this is just precautionary for Sabonis. An update should be provided in the coming days, but if he is held out of any regular season games, Drew Eubanks and Maxime Raynaud would be next in line to fill out the center minutes.
Source: Jason Anderson

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

SAC • Forward • #13
about 2 months ago
Murray, who is set to be sidelined until November, will be kept around in Sacramento through the end of the decade. The 2022 top-five pick is the best defender in the Kings’ starting lineup, and they’ll certainly miss him dearly for the first few weeks of the season. However, it was a smart move to ensure he will be kept around for the foreseeable future.
Source: Shams Charania

SAC • Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
It will be a one-year deal worth $3.6 million. Westbrook will join a backcourt that features Dennis Schroder, Malik Monk and Keon Ellis, which doesn’t really address the Kings’ frontcourt depth after the Keegan Murray injury. Westbrook doesn’t have a clear path to fantasy production, but his presence will take some upside away from Schroder, Monk and Ellis.
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.

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.

SAC • Forward • #13
2 months ago
Murray injured his left thumb during the first half of Friday’s exhibition defeat. Further examination of the injury revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament that will require surgery. He’ll miss at least four weeks, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. While this will push Murray down some draft boards, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis and rookie Nique Clifford will be worth a look in many leagues. Clifford has been used at all three perimeter positions during the preseason, and Clifford’s defensive ability could mesh well with the Kings’ starting lineup if given the opportunity to start. Monk remained a starter last season after the Kings traded De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs.
Source: Marc J. Spears

SAC • Forward • #13
2 months ago
Murray played 16 first-half minutes in Friday’s 124-123 defeat before suffering a left thumb injury late in the second quarter. The Kings would announce at the half that he would not return, with Murray recording a stat line of nine points (4-of-7 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Rookie Nique Clifford’s playing time increased due to the injury, with the guard logging 26 minutes off the bench. If Murray were to be in a situation where he is not ready for the start of the regular season, Clifford may be the player whose fantasy value receives a boost.
Source: Sacramento Bee

SAC • Forward-Center • #9
2 months ago
With Jonas Valančiūnas now in Denver as part of the trade that sent Šarić to Sacramento and Trey Lyles now at Real Madrid, the Kings have an opening to fill behind starting center Domantas Sabonis. Drew Eubanks (11/3/0/1) and rookie Maxime Raynaud (2/5/4) are also competing for the opportunity, but Šarić can offer a different dimension with his three-point shooting. He made all four attempts on Friday, but the downside is that he provided no value outside of points and triples. There’s no need to draft any of the Kings competing for the backup center role in redraft leagues, although Reynaud is worth selecting in dynasty leagues.

SAC • Guard • #8
2 months ago
After scoring 16 points in 15 minutes in Wednesday’s preseason opener, LaVine put forth another solid effort on Friday. Through two games, he’s scored 35 points while shooting 12-of-18 from the field, a clear sign that LaVine is ready for the regular season. He’s hovered around the top 50 in recent seasons, and there’s little reason to expect that to change in 2025-26. He’ll be a relatively safe middle-round option in standard league drafts.