Eastern Conference
Sign in
Sign in and connect Sleeper to unlock personalized fantasy insights.
153 articles
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
Since returning from seven-game absence due to a calf injury, James has been quiet as a scorer. He has scored less than 20 points in three of his last four games, and he barely held on to his lengthy streak of double digit games on Wednesday. He’ll get things clicking eventually, and he was able to make up for it with 12 dimes on Thursday, which was the most he has had in a game since early February. Unfortunately, the only things people will remember from this game will be LeBron turning it over late and then Josh Giddey hitting the game-winner from half court over James’ outstretched hand.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James’ streak of 1,252 straight games in double figures was in jeopardy, as he entered the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s game without a made field goal. He made four during the final frame, with the last being a tip-in as time expired to give the Lakers the win. LeBron has shot 43.5 percent from the field over the past two weeks, a reason why his fantasy value has decreased. However, as he said during his postgame interview, James is good enough to be impactful even if his shot isn’t falling. Thursday’s game against the Bulls will be his first back-to-back since returning from a strained groin, so fantasy managers should consider LeBron questionable.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James and Hachimura have been cleared to play, and the latter will make his return to the starting lineup. Hachimura is still under a minutes restriction, so fantasy managers should not expect too much from him regarding playing time. Dorian Finney-Smith heads to the bench, where his already low fantasy value takes a hit.
Source: Trevor Lane
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
LeBron and Hachimura are back on the Lakers’ injury report, both listed due to injuries they have been dealing with in recent weeks. In James’ case, sitting out Wednesday’s game would likely push Jordan Goodwin into the lineup, giving him some streaming value in deep leagues. As for Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith has retained his place in the starting lineup, and his minutes will likely increase if Rui cannot play.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
After logging 31 minutes in his first game back from a strained groin on Saturday, LeBron played 38 against the Magic. While he did not record any defensive stats, the offensive numbers were recorded efficiently, with the 40-year-old shooting 50 percent from the field and only committing two turnovers. The Lakers will play three more road games during Week 21, starting with a midweek back-to-back against the Pacers and Bulls.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
After logging 31 minutes in his first game back from a strained groin on Saturday, LeBron played 38 against the Magic. While he did not record any defensive stats, the offensive numbers were recorded efficiently, with the 40-year-old shooting 50 percent from the field and only committing two turnovers. The Lakers will play three more road games during Week 21, starting with a midweek back-to-back against the Pacers and Bulls.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James and Hachimura have been upgraded from probable to available, meaning the Lakers will have their full rotation in Orlando. The latter will likely be under a minutes restriction, meaning he would come off the bench. Dorian Finney-Smith would remain in the starting lineup in that scenario.
Source: Mike Trudell
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James is expected to be available for the first game of the Lakers’ road trip. If he’s unable to play for some reason, Jordan Goodwin would likely return to the starting lineup. Goodwin would only be worth streaming in extremely deep leagues.
Source: Jovan Buha
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James returned to the Lakers’ lineup on Saturday after missing seven games with a strained groin. Unfortunately for him, things did not go as smoothly as hoped. While LeBron recorded solid numbers in the rebound, assist and steals categories, he was also responsible for five turnovers. With the game getting out of hand during the fourth quarter, James exited with 6:42 remaining, finishing at 31 minutes. A player displaying some rust in their first game back from injury is unsurprising, even for one of LeBron’s caliber. He’ll look to bounce back on Monday in Orlando, the first of four games the Lakers play during Week 21.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
LeBron is back after missing seven games with a strained groin. His return means Jordan Goodwin heads to the bench, with his fantasy value taking a significant hit. The few who streamed Goodwin can afford to drop him onto the waiver wire.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
While Lakers head coach JJ Redick has said he’s hopeful that James and Hachimura will suit up and play Saturday, both are listed as questionable, which gives them a legitimate chance of missing the matchup with the Bulls. LeBron is dealing with a left groin strain that has kept him out for seven games. Hachimura has missed the last 12 games with left patellar tendinopathy. Dorian Finney-Smith and Jordan Goodwin could continue to start in their absences.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
12 months ago
James will miss a seventh-straight game when the Lakers take on the Bucks on Thursday, while it will be a 12th-straight absence for Hachimura. However, Los Angeles could be close to full strength against Chicago to wrap up the week. Their returns will likely push Dorian Finney-Smith and Jordan Goodwin back to the bench, though both have been productive in increased roles. The Lakers enter Thursday’s game having won three in a row, and they’re currently a game behind the Rockets for the No. 2 seed in the West.
Source: Mark Medina
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
Redick provided good news on James, Rui Hachimura (knee) and Jaxson Hayes (knee) before Friday’s game against the Nuggets, saying that all three are “very close” to returning. When that will happen wasn’t made clear, so there should still be opportunities to stream some of the team’s low-rostered players. Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt are worth a look for Friday, while Dorian Finney-Smith has been more valuable when healthy (he is out on Friday).
Source: Mike Trudell
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
Lakers coach JJ Redick provided good news on James, Rui Hachimura (knee) and Jaxson Hayes (knee) before Friday’s game against the Nuggets, saying that all three are “very close” to returning. When that will happen wasn’t made clear, so there should still be opportunities to stream some of the team’s low-rostered players. Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt are worth a look for Friday, while Dorian Finney-Smith has been more valuable when healthy (he is out on Friday).
Source: Mike Trudell
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James didn’t return after suffering a groin strain against the Celtics and is expected to miss a week a two while he recovers. Dorian Finney-Smith will likely have to do some heavy lifting in the frontcourt while James is out.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin speculated that James could be sidelined for several weeks, not days, following the injury. The 40-year-old has been one of the most durable players in league history throughout his career, but it sounds like there’s a possibility it could be weeks, not days, before he’s ready to return. He’ll presumably undergo additional testing this weekend to determine the severity of the injury. We’ll have additional updates and more information on his status as it unfolds.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James suffered a groin strain late in the contest and went to the locker room in the midst of a late rally attempt from Los Angeles. If he’s forced to miss time moving forward, Luka Doncic would see a monster bump in usage, while the team would be forced to utilize a platoon approach to make up for James’ absence.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
Both players were listed as probable, so their availability isn’t a surprise. Expect the superstar duo to handle their typical workloads against Boston.
Source: https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2025-03-08_07PM.pdf
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James has consistently shown up on the injury report this year as he manages a foot injury, but the 40-year-old small forward hasn’t missed many games. Doncic also has made himself consistently available since being traded to the Lakers. Los Angeles should have both of its stars available against the Celtics on Saturday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
Both LeBron and Luka Doncic came close to recording 30-point triple-doubles in this game, but they did both hit the 30-point mark for the second-straight game. The fit between these two superstars this quickly has been impressive and has resulted in eight consecutive wins for the Lakers. James seems to have once again taken a trip to the fountain of youth, and he has provided top five value in nine-cat leagues over the past two weeks. They’ll wrap up the week in Boston on Saturday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James and Doncic are back on the Lakers’ injury report, although the latter is dealing with a new issue. Luka has a right knee contusion, but the probable tag suggests he will play. James should also be available to play based on the recent trend of him playing after being probable on an initial injury report.
Source: Trevor Lane
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James and Doncic are back on the Lakers’ injury report, although the latter is dealing with a new issue. Luka has a right knee contusion, but the probable tag suggests he will play. James should also be available to play based on the recent trend of him playing after being probable on an initial injury report.
Source: Trevor Lane
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James added another career milestone to his impressive résumé, becoming the first play in ABA/NBA history to score at least 50,000 points (regular season and playoffs). Even with the four turnovers, this was an efficient night for the Lakers forward, who has provided top-10 value in eight- and nine-cat formats since the All-Star break. LeBron has looked rejuvenated since the Lakers added Luka Doncic to the roster, and JJ Redick’s team has the look of a true contender in the Western Conference.
Source: Los Angeles Lakers
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
Both of the Lakers’ superstars have been upgraded after initially being listed as probable. They’ll both continue to play massive roles as they look to lead Los Angeles to a seventh-straight win.
Source: Mike Trudell
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
Due to left foot injury management, James is again included on a pregame injury report. However, he’s considered probable, so fantasy managers should craft their lineups with the expectation that LeBron will play.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
LeBron entered Sunday 18 points from 50,000 (regular season and postseason) for his career. He fell one point shy of that historic milestone, as efficiency was an issue. In addition to the subpar shooting night, James was responsible for eight turnovers. That’s the second-highest tally he’s had this season (11), and he’s averaged 5.7 turnovers per game since the All-Star break. However, LeBron has still provided top-15 value in nine-cat formats during this stretch.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James and Doncic are both questionable for injury management reasons, which may increase their chances of playing on Sunday. The former has not missed a game since February 8, so fantasy managers should expect to see LeBron on the court. As for Doncic, he’s still working his way back from a calf injury that sidelined him for six weeks. With Austin Reaves unlikely to play, the Lakers need LeBron and Luka on the court.
Source: Edwin Garcia
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
James had an injury scare late in Friday’s game, where he appeared to tweak something in his core. However, during his postgame interview on ESPN, he said that all was fine, so fantasy managers should plan for LeBron’s injury listing to be the usual (left foot) ahead of Sunday’s rematch with the Clippers. Over the past three weeks, he has been a top-10 player in eight-cat formats, which is virtually unfathomable for a player his age.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
No surprise here as both superstars were upgraded to probable ahead of Friday night’s game against the Clippers. Fantasy managers can put James and Doncic into lineups as usual Friday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 year ago
LeBron is trending in the right direction now as he’s listed as probable with left foot injury management. Fantasy managers can expect the 40-year-old small forward to suit up against the Clippers and insert him into lineups as usual.