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LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James has scored at least 30 points in two of his last three games, and Tuesday’s overall stat line was a reminder of what he’s still capable of doing. The 41-year-old finished two rebounds and two assists shy of a triple-double while shooting over 50 percent from the field and not missing a free throw. Over the past two weeks, James has been a top-20 player in eight-cat formats. With Austin Reaves (calf) out for a few more weeks, LeBron boasts a higher fantasy ceiling.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James finished Sunday’s victory with his fourth double-double of the season and first since December 18. Add in his committing just one turnover, and this was an excellent night to have the 41-year-old rostered in nine-cat formats. Over the past two weeks, he has been a seventh-round player in nine-cat formats. While that still doesn’t align with his Yahoo! ADP, James is making strides after the delayed start to his season stunted his production early on.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James recorded his second 30-point game of the season on Friday, and fantasy managers will also find the rebounds and assists useful. Over the past two weeks, the 41-year-old has offered fifth-round per-game value in eight-cat formats, pushing his season-long value into the top-100. With Austin Reaves (calf) out for a few more weeks, the Lakers will have to rely even more on LeBron and Luka Dončić as they look to stay among the top teams in the Western Conference.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
LeBron’s 41st birthday was not a joyous occasion for the Lakers’ star, as the Pistons took control in the third quarter and won with relative ease. Simply put, Detroit did on Tuesday night what “Father Time” has failed to do to the future Hall of Fame forward. In addition to the poor shooting, James was responsible for five turnovers, with only Luka Dončić committing more (eight). He and the Lakers will look to bounce back when they host the Grizzlies on Friday and Sunday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
As was the case in Thursday’s loss to the Rockets, James only attempted 13 shots on Sunday despite Austin Reaves (calf) being unavailable. The difference was that he made 11 against the Kings, and the final stat line only lacked a blocked shot. How much James can help the Lakers defensively at this stage in his career is up for debate, but the team will accept scoring efficiency on par with Sunday’s performance as well. Over the past two weeks, James has provided top-40 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
While James shot the ball reasonably well and recorded a complete stat line, the numbers felt a bit underwhelming, given how the game went. Including James, Luka Dončić was the lone Lakers starter to grab more than two rebounds as Houston dominated the boards. LeBron and the Lakers will look to end Week 10 on a high note when they host the Kings on Sunday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
With Tuesday’s game getting away from the Lakers, James did not play at all during the fourth quarter. The final stat line was solid, but it was clear the Lakers missed Luka Dončić’s scoring and playmaking. Next up for LeBron and co. is a matchup with the Rockets on Christmas Day, and he’s made a habit of putting on a show in those games. Hopefully, James will be able to share the court with Dončić.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
With Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton unavailable and Luka Dončić not returning for the second half, James was left to do most of the heavy lifting offensively. The Lakers’ forward, who turns 41 on December 30, showed that he still has plenty left in the tank, dropping his first 30-point game of the season. And over the last two weeks, LeBron has been close to a first-round player in eight-cat, 12-team formats. The Lakers play three games in Week 10, starting with the Suns on Tuesday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
While Luka Doncic will garner the most headlines for his 45-point triple-double with five steals, LeBron was pretty solid in this game too. The soon-to-be 41-year-old small forward had 28 points and was just three rebounds shy of a triple-double himself. James and the Lakers finish up a two-game week Saturday against the Clippers.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
LeBron had far from a vintage performance on Sunday, but the good news for him is that the Lakers avoided blowing a game that they led by as much as 19. He was responsible for a game-high eight turnovers, and there were moments when it appeared that Dillon Brooks would get the best of him. But James made two of four free throws in the final 12 seconds to help the Lakers escape with the 116-114 victory, moving their record to 9-0 after a loss this season. The Lakers begin a two-game Week 9 on Thursday against the Jazz.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
LeBron had far from a vintage performance on Sunday, but the good news for him is that the Lakers avoided blowing a game that they led by as much as 19. He was responsible for a game-high eight turnovers, and there were moments when it appeared that Dillon Brooks would get the best of him. But James made two of four free throws in the final 12 seconds to help the Lakers escape with the 116-114 victory, moving their record to 9-0 after a loss this season. The Lakers begin a two-game Week 9 on Thursday against the Jazz.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James, coming off a 29-point performance in a win over the 76ers on Sunday, was just as good but in different ways against the Spurs Wednesday. The 40-year-old was just two assists shy of a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. After an eight-point performance against the Raptors last Thursday, LeBron turned back the clock as we’ve seen him do countless times over the course of his career.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
Despite a rough start to the week, rumors of LeBron’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. Back in the lineup after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, the 40-year-old picked up the slack for the Lakers in crunch time. James shot 5-of-6 from the field in the fourth quarter, including two three-pointers in crunch time that helped the Lakers end their road trip on a high note. With the NBA Cup knockout stages resulting in lighter schedules for the entire league, LeBron and the Lakers will receive some welcome rest, even if they advance to the semifinals with a win over the Spurs on Wednesday.
Source: Law Murray
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James is good to go after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, which was the Lakers’ second game in as many nights. His return means that Jake LaRavia will come off the bench, lowering his fantasy ceiling.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
Initially questionable after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, James is on track to play Sunday evening. His return would bounce Jake LaRavia to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value.
Source: Trevor Lane
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James did not play in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, which was the Lakers’ second game in as many nights. The fact that he remains on the injury report is somewhat concerning, but James does have a chance of playing. If he can’t, Jake LaRavia will stay in the starting lineup and is worth streaming in deep leagues.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
As expected, James will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back for the Lakers. Jake LaRavia, who played 28 minutes off the bench on Thursday, should start in place of LeBron. Austin Reaves should be in for a big night with LeBron and Luka Dončić (personal) both sidelined.
Source: Brad Turner
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
Lebron finished with just eight points in the win over the Raptors on Thursday, snapping a streak of 1,297 games where he scored at least 10 points. Now the 40-year-old small forward is doubtful with a foot injury for Friday’s game against the Celtics. Gabe Vincent could move into the starting lineup if James is out, but isn’t worth rostering.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
From January 6, 2007, through December 1, 2025, LeBron had scored at least 10 points in 1,297 consecutive games. After being held to 10 points in Monday’s loss to the Suns, the streak came to an end in Toronto. And it wasn’t for a lack of trying, as only Austin Reaves attempted more shots among the Lakers who saw action. However, give James credit for not forcing the issue on the possession, instead finding Rui Hachimura (12/3/0/1 with two three-pointers) in the corner for the game-winning triple as time expired. LeBron will look to snap out of his funk when the Lakers visit the Celtics on Friday.
Source: NBA
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James was one of several key Lakers who couldn’t get going on the offensive end on Monday. He took only 10 shots, had his most inefficient shooting performance thus far, and recorded a season-low in points as a result. The versatile forward had little impact in another area of the game — he failed to grab a rebound, only produced a few assists, and didn’t register any stocks for the game. Overall, it was a forgettable performance from both the Lakers and James. He’ll look to turn the page and bounce back against the Raptors on Thursday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James (foot) will return from a one-game absence and re-enter the Lakers’ starting lineup as they take on the Suns on the second night of a back-to-back. The Lakers currently hold a 15-4 record and find themselves in second place in the Western Conference. They’ve won seven straight and have a chance to extend their streak to eight games with a win on Monday.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 months ago
James did not play in Sunday’s win over the Pelicans, with Gabe Vincent moving into the starting lineup. Vincent will head to the bench, eliminating what little streaming value he possessed on Sunday.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
James will sit out the first leg of Los Angeles’ back-to-back set, and fantasy managers should expect him to take the court Monday against the Suns. With James sidelined, Jake LaRavia could slot into the Lakers’ starting five against New Orleans.
Source: Chris B. Haynes
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
The good news is that LeBron’s injury is a matter of left foot injury management, as Sunday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Lakers. Given the opposition, don’t be surprised if LeBron sits with an eye toward Monday’s matchup with the Suns. If he doesn’t play, Jake LaRavia is the player most likely to move into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
After scoring 25 points in Tuesday’s win over the Clippers, LeBron took a back seat to Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić on Friday, as they combined to score 73 points. However, he still provided solid value in rebounds, assists and three-pointers as the Lakers finished NBA Cup group play undefeated. The explicit goal for LeBron and the Lakers is to ensure he’s healthy for the stretch run, and they can afford to take that approach with Dončić, Reaves and Deandre Ayton on the roster. While that may lower James’ fantasy ceiling, his floor will be fine.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
James’ point total has increased in each game he’s played this season. He recorded his first 20-point game on Tuesday, doing so on good percentages from the field and the foul line. James is steadily making his climb up the fantasy rankings, providing eighth-round value in nine-cat formats. Given LeBron’s track record, things should only get better as he plays more games. The Lakers finish Week 6 with games on Friday and Sunday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
James’ stat line on Sunday was modest by his lofty standards, but the playing time is what should be the focus. He logged 34 minutes on Sunday, and while the Lakers had not played a game since Tuesday, hitting that number in just his second game back from injury is good news for fantasy managers. Week 6 could be another good week for James from an availability standpoint, as the Lakers play three games and the back-to-back is at the end of the week.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
After missing the first 14 games of the season with sciatica, LeBron was finally able to make his debut for his 23rd season in the NBA. He played just under 30 minutes, which was enough time for him to record a double-double. His first game couldn’t have gone much better for the team, but for managers that were expecting his typical dominance, they’re going to have to exercise patience. It was only his first game, and he didn’t force much. He facilitated well, but he only took seven shots; LeBron didn’t take fewer than 10 shots in a game all of last season. The Lakers are playing well, so they’ll take the gradual approach of working James into the rotation. Luka Dončić will run the show, but James will still have plenty of chances to dominate fantasy basketball as the season progresses. Even at 40 years old, he’s going to make a huge impact in the box score. For now, it’s just a breath of fresh air that he’s back out on the floor.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
Obviously, LeBron’s season debut after missing time with sciatica is the most significant change to the Lakers’ lineup. However, it isn’t the only one. Hachimura is also back after missing the November 15 win over the Bucks. Due to the availability of James and Hachimura, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James head to the bench. While LaRavia is guaranteed to be in the rotation, Bronny is not.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
3 months ago
The Lakers will be fully healthy for the first time this season. LeBron will likely replace Marcus Smart in the starting lineup, though Smart should still play a significant role off the bench. Since it will be LeBron’s first game of the year, head coach JJ Redick will likely keep an eye on his minutes. If he’s feeling fine, don’t be surprised if James plays a significant role, though the expectation should be that he plays between 25-30 minutes, which is more than enough time for him to flood the stat sheet.
Source: Shams Charania