173 articles

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
5 days ago
James was initially listed as questionable as he continues to manage a foot injury. While the 41-year-old forward is available, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Lakers prioritize getting LeBron some rest as the game goes on.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
6 days ago
Even with the Lakers still in play for the No. 3 seed in the West heading into the final day of the regular season, they may prioritize giving LeBron some rest, given the workload he has shouldered recently. As for Hayes, he has missed the Lakers’ last three games, resulting in more playing time for Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
7 days ago
James recorded another career milestone on Friday, becoming the fourth player in NBA history to record at least 12,000 assists. He joins John Stockton, Chris Paul and Jason Kidd on that esteemed list. As for Friday’s victory, the 41-year-old continues to shoulder a heavier workload, with the Lakers not having Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves due to injury. James has recorded points/assists double-doubles in all three games he’s played since those two went down in Oklahoma City on April 2. The Lakers will be seeded no lower than fourth in the West, making it possible that LeBron sits out Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Jazz.
Source: NBA

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
8 days ago
The two California teams squared off on Thursday, and it was James who carried the Lakers to a comfortable win. The four-time Finals MVP picked his spots and converted efficiently as a scorer to lead the Lakers in total points. And when he wasn’t scoring, the veteran forward displayed the type of vision that’s made him such a unique player throughout his career. James worked the defensive glass fairly well, nearly well enough to tally another triple-double. He has taken control of the Lakers’ offense lately with the injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and that should remain the case as long as they’re out of the lineup.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
9 days ago
James is back after sitting out Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Thunder. His return will push Drew Timme to the bench, eliminating the former Gonzaga standout’s fantasy value.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 days ago
James’ absence means all of LA’s Big 3 will watch this contest from the sideline. It’s unclear who will step up to fill the void, but the Lakers will need all hands on deck to pick up the slack using a committee approach.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
11 days ago
The Lakers are already without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, so playing without LeBron will severely reduce their chances of winning. If LeBron is out, Nick Smith Jr., Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt are all candidates to start in his place.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 days ago
With no Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves, the Lakers will need LeBron to do more of the heavy lifting offensively. He answered the call in Dallas, finishing one rebound shy of a triple-double. Shooting over 50 percent from the field, James finished with his first 30-point, 15-assist game of the season. The Lakers play four games in Week 24, starting with the Thunder on Tuesday. Fantasy managers rostering James in active leagues will be pleased with the schedule, but three of the four games are against teams that have qualified for the playoffs or Play-In Tournament.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
15 days ago
The Lakers’ 43-point loss on Thursday was the second-worst of James’ career, and the game wasn’t that close. Like most of the starters on the two teams, LeBron watched the entire fourth quarter from the bench. And he may be asked to do more of the heavy lifting, as Luka Dončić (hamstring) exited during the third quarter and Austin Reaves (back) was limited for most of his 27 minutes on the court. The Lakers end their Week 23 in Dallas on Sunday.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
17 days ago
LeBron was listed as questionable on the second night of this back-to-back, but he will be good to go. He had a triple-double on Monday and will look to stay hot against his hometown team.
Source: Khobi Price

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
18 days ago
James is on the injury report as questionable with left foot injury management for Tuesday’s game against the Cavaliers, which is the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers. LeBron had a triple-double in Monday’s win over the Wizards. If he’s ruled out Tuesday, Rui Hachimura could slide into the starting lineup.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
18 days ago
James upped his production on Monday in the absence of Luka Dončić, who missed the contest to serve a one-game suspension. In doing so, he led the Lakers in scoring, rebounding, and assists in his 33 minutes of action. James has mostly taken a back seat recently when the Lakers have operated at full health. However, it’s impressive that he can still flip the switch in Year 23 to deliver what is required of him in any given situation. He’ll have a chance to land another big performance on Tuesday against the Cavaliers.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
21 days ago
James took a back seat to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves offensively on Friday, something he has been more willing to do in recent weeks. And the change in approach is one reason for the Lakers’ improved play, as they’re now 13-2 in March. Even with the limited scoring, James still recorded six rebounds and eight assists, which is good value in those categories. And since March 1, he has provided fourth-round value in eight-cat formats. That may not match LeBron’s prime, but he is 41 years old. The Lakers play four games in Week 23, starting with the Wizards on Monday.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
23 days ago
LeBron looked sharp on Wednesday, finishing one rebound and one assist shy of a triple-double while committing one turnover. And despite his role not being as prominent within the Lakers’ rotation, the 41-year-old has still provided third-round value in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break. The lone negative for managers rostering James is that the Lakers play once more in Week 22. The positive is that said game is against the Nets, which could be an opportunity for LeBron to put up some gaudy stats.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
25 days ago
LeBron had an unusual game against the Pistons on Monday. The 41-year-old power forward didn’t score in the first half, which is the first time that’s happened since 2010. James still had six assists and four rebounds at halftime and ended up finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double. He recorded his 124th career triple-double last week. While James is now the Lakers’ third option on offense, he’s still provided top-50 per game value over the last two weeks.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
29 days ago
This was LeBron’s 1,611th career game, which matched Robert Parish for the most in NBA history. In Parish’s final regular season game, he played six minutes and contributed two points, three rebounds and a block. LeBron, who will surpass that record in his next game, recorded his 124th triple-double in his 1,611th appearance. He’s not the player he once was, but this two-game stretch was a reminder that he can still impact the game in a big way for fantasy managers.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
29 days ago
James is good to go for Thursday’s game, meaning he will tie Robert Parish’s record for the most games played in NBA history. He should take on his usual workload as the Lakers look to pick up their second win in as many nights.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
30 days ago
The Lakers plane reportedly landed in Miami at 5:00 a.m. local time after playing at 8:30 p.m. central time on Wednesday night. In other words, it isn’t surprising that LeBron is on the injury report. If he is unavailable, Rui Hachimura should slide into the starting unit.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James went nearly perfect from the floor in his first 30-point outing since Jan 13. He missed only one shot in his 34 minutes, contributed as a rebounder, and was disruptive on the defensive end before the final horn sounded. The 23rd-year pro hasn’t had the same impact as a scorer this season as in years’ past. However, James showed on Wednesday that he’s still more than capable of going off on any given night. He’ll have a chance to score another 30-point game on Thursday against the Heat.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James took a more measured approach on the offensive end on Monday, something he’s more frequently done in his 23rd NBA season. The four-time champion shot efficiently in his limited attempts, which was enough on this night to finish as the Lakers’ second-leading scorer. James tied a team-high in assists and also racked up a couple of steals to sweeten his final stat line. The Lakers will see the Rockets again on Wednesday, giving James a chance to land even more production in the rematch.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
Offensively, James took a back seat to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves on Saturday, as they combined to score 62 points. However, James provided solid value in his 40 minutes, with the five turnovers being the lone issue. The Lakers’ four-game Week 21 slate includes a midweek back-to-back, so LeBron may sit one out. If so, Rui Hachimura (six points, four rebounds) would have added value in deep leagues.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
LeBron is back in the Lakers’ starting lineup after a three-game absence, but Marcus Smart is out with a hip contusion. As a result, Hachimura will remain in the starting five, ensuring that his short-term fantasy value does not take too much of a hit.
Source: NBA Lineups

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
LeBron will make his return after missing three straight games with multiple lower body injuries. His return will push Rui Hachimura back to the bench as they look to keep their three-game winning streak alive.
Source: Dan Woike

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James has missed the Lakers’ last three games, most recently being listed as questionable before it was announced that he would not play against the Timberwolves on Tuesday. If LeBron can play against the Bulls, Rui Hachimuwa will head back to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
This will be a third straight absence for James, who is nursing multiple injuries. The Lakers have won the last two games with LeBron sidelined and will look to make it three straight in this one, with Rui Hachimura likely to start again.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James, who did not participate in Monday’s low-impact practice, is officially questionable for Tuesday’s game. If he’s unable to play, Rui Hachimura would get a third consecutive start.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
While James did fall hard on his left elbow during Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets, arthritis in his left foot has been the bigger issue for the 41-year-old. He’s missed the last two games, and after not practicing on Monday, James’s having to sit out Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves is a real possibility. Rui Hachimura has moved into the starting lineup and should retain that role until LeBron returns.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James will miss a second consecutive game due to elbow and foot injuries. Rui Hachimura will get a second consecutive start, and while he can provide points in that role, the production in other key fantasy categories has been limited.
Source: Dan Woike

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James sat out Friday’s win over the Pacers with elbow and foot injuries, leading to Rui Hachimura moving into the starting lineup. While he did shoot the ball well in scoring 13 points, Hachimura offered limited fantasy value overall.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
Already dealing with left foot arthritis, James fell hard on his left elbow during Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets. He’ll sit out Friday’s game, likely resulting in Jake LaRavia moving into the starting five. If so, that raises LaRavia’s short-term fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report