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Austin Reaves Report: Austin Reaves played through sprained toe
Fri, May 2, 2025, 12:26 PM
Trevor Lane
Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane reports Austin Reaves suffered a sprained left big toe during the first-round series against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: While Reaves reached double figures in all five games of the series, his production shifted offensively after the first two games. According to Lane, the Lakers guard injured his toe during Game 3, impacting Reaves on both ends of the floor. In the first two games, 13 of Reaves' 27 field goal attempts were three-pointers. In Games 3 through 5, 33 of his 46 attempts came from beyond the arc. He could not be as explosive as needed off the dribble, which factored into the Lakers dropping the series' final three games. With the early elimination, Reaves will have ample time to recover ahead of the 2025-26 season. |
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LeBron James LeBron James diagnosed with Grade 2 MCL sprain
Fri, May 2, 2025, 9:43 AM
Dave McMenamin
ESPN's Dave Mcamenamin reports that LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in Wednesday's loss to Minnesota.
Analysis: James suffered the injury when collided with Donte DiVincenzo in the fourth quarter of the closeout Game 5. The recovery time for the injury is 3-5 weeks, but James will have no need to rush back to the court after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs. It's unclear if he'll return for a 23rd season, but if he does, he should be recovered from this latest injury prior to training camp. |
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LeBron James LeBron James undecided on future following loss
Thu, May 1, 2025, 11:39 AM
ESPN
LeBron James was undecided on his future when asked following Wednesday's season-ending loss to the Timberwolves.
Analysis: The 40-year-old James said he had not given much thought to what the future might hold for him, which is unsurprising since he was focused on the task at hand. But it's a question that will hover over the Lakers franchise throughout the offseason, especially after acquiring Luka Doncic in early February. âI don't have an answer to that,â James said. âSomething I'll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens. And just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don't know the answer to that right now, to be honest. So we'll see.â James, who turns 41 on December 30, has a player option worth over $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season, and that may be reason enough to return for another run. Whatever he decides will significantly impact how the Lakers approach improving a roster that received little trust from head coach JJ Redick this postseason beyond starters James, Doncic, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, and veteran reserve Dorian Finney-Smith. |
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Luka Doncic Luka Doncic tallies 28/7/9 line, Lakers eliminated
Wed, Apr 30, 2025, 7:15 PM
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points (7-of-18 FGs, 12-of-15 FTs), seven rebounds, nine assists, one steal and two three-pointers in a 103-96 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Analysis: Just before halftime, Doncic exited with a back injury following a hard foul. He was able to return for the second half, though he was clearly moving gingerly at times. However, back pain wasn't going to slow down Luka. He led both teams in scoring, with almost half of his points coming at the free throw line. That wasn't enough to win, which brought his first season with the Lakers to a close. With a full offseason to get used to his new team, and roster moves to build this team around him, expect Doncic to be back to his typical dominant self next season. |
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LeBron James LeBron James turns in 22/7/6/2 line in Game 5 loss
Wed, Apr 30, 2025, 7:11 PM
LeBron James finished with 22 points (9-of-21 FGs), seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one three-pointer against the Timberwolves in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Analysis: James was awesome in Games 3 and 4, though Los Angeles wasn't able to get a win in Minnesota. With their backs against the wall in Game 5, LeBron wasn't able to replicate his two previous performances, and the Lakers' season ended in the first round for a second straight season. Though there is no indication that James will retire as of now, he'll be 41 for next season's playoffs. He should be in for another strong year when he's on the floor, but if the Lakers want to win a championship next season, they may prioritize rest for James more than ever during the 2025-26 season. |
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Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura puts up 23 points, five triples
Wed, Apr 30, 2025, 7:06 PM
Rui Hachimura lit up the Timberwolves with 23 points (9-of-16 FGs), four rebounds, one block and five three-pointers in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Analysis: This was the second straight game that Hachimura finished with exactly 23 points and five triples. Unfortunately, it was also a second straight single-digit loss for the Lakers, which brought their season to an end. Hachimura improved his numbers and took on a larger role this season with JJ Redick taking over as the team's head coach. There will certainly be roster changes for Los Angeles this summer, but if Hachimura is kept around, he'll be a decent, low-upside option in fantasy next season. |
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Austin Reaves Austin Reaves caps season with 12-point dud
Wed, Apr 30, 2025, 7:03 PM
Austin Reaves struggled on Wednesday and contributed just 12 points (5-of-14 FGs), five rebounds, two assists, two three-pointers and six turnovers in Game 5 against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Though it was a strong season overall for Reaves, his playoff series against Minnesota was one to forget. He averaged just 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and three triples while shooting 41.1 percent from the floor during the gentlemen's sweep. Reaves was incredible after the All-Star break, which made his postseason so disappointing. Still, he'll be an intriguing option entering drafts next season after finishing inside the top 50 in nine-cat leagues this season. |
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Maxi Kleber Maxi Kleber (foot) available for Game 5 Wednesday
Wed, Apr 30, 2025, 2:46 PM
NBA Injury Report
Maxi Kleber (foot) is available to play against the Timberwolves in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Analysis: Kleber has been sidelined since before he was traded to the Lakers as part of the Luka Doncic deal, and this will be the first time he is available to suit up for Los Angeles. In a win-or-go-home game for them, it's unclear how much head coach JJ Redick will lean on a new player that hasn't played in three months. |
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Maxi Kleber Maxi Kleber (foot) questionable for Game 5 Weds.
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 2:16 PM
Jovan Buha
Maxi Kleber (foot) is questionable for Game 5 against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Analysis: At long last, Kleber may be able to make his Lakers debut after being sent to Los Angeles as part of the Luka Doncic trade. The veteran forward/center underwent surgery on his right foot days before being traded, having last appeared in a game on January 25. Kleber can potentially add frontcourt depth, but Lakers coach JJ Redick stuck with the same five (Doncic/Reaves/Hachimura/James/Finney-Smith) for the entire second half of Sunday's Game 4 loss. |
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Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura sinks five three-pointers in Game 4
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 12:59 PM
Rui Hachimura accounted for 23 points (9-of-16 FGs), five rebounds, one assist and five three-pointers in 41 minutes in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Hachimura and Austin Reaves (17/7/4/1/2 with five three-pointers) combined to shoot 10-of-22 from beyond the arc in Game 4, providing solid shooting alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. And this was a needed effort for the former, as he totaled 28 points in the first three games of the series. The Game 4 version of Hachimura is who needs to show up for Game 5 on Wednesday, as the Lakers are a loss away from elimination. |
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Luka Doncic Luka Doncic scores team-high 38 points in Game 4
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 12:54 PM
Luka Doncic shot 13-of-28 from the field and 7-of-7 from the foul line in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves, amassing 38 points, one rebound, two assists, one steal, one block and five three-pointers in 46 minutes.
Analysis: Doncic only sat for two minutes on Sunday, playing the entire second half as the Lakers hoped to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. The final stat line was surprisingly meager outside of the points and three-pointers, but there were some potential assists that Doncic missed out on due to the limited production from some of his teammates. He'll look to rebound and keep the Lakers' season alive when they host Game 5 on Wednesday. |
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LeBron James LeBron James posts 27/12/8/3/3 line in Game 4
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 12:49 PM
NBA
LeBron James finished Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves with 27 points (5-of-9 FGs, 15-of-18 FTs), 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, three blocks and two three-pointers in 46 minutes.
Analysis: While James only had nine official field goal attempts, he was a frequent visitor to the foul line, boosting the final point tally. Unfortunately, the robust stat line was not enough to deliver the Lakers a win, and they'll head home for Game 5 on Wednesday in a 3-1 hole. James did make some more personal history, however, moving into ninth on the NBA's playoff career blocked shot list. The extra day off should be welcomed, as James played the entire second half on Sunday. |
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Luka Doncic Luka Doncic has 17/7/8/1/1 line in flu game Friday
Fri, Apr 25, 2025, 6:37 PM
Luka Doncic had 17 points (6-of-16 FGs), seven rebounds, eight assists, one steal, one block and two three-pointers in Game 3 against the Timberwolves on Friday.
Analysis: Doncic battled a stomach bug, but still played 40 minutes given the high stakes of the playoffs. He remained in the locker room at the beginning of the third quarter with Gabe Vincent starting the second half, though Doncic quickly returned to the game. He was hardly efficient scoring Friday with 17 points on 16 shots and just two made three-pointers. Doncic will likely get over his stomach issue in the next 24 hours and look to bounce back in Game 4 Sunday. |
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LeBron James LeBron James has 38/10/4/2/2 line in Game 3 loss
Fri, Apr 25, 2025, 6:35 PM
LeBron James had 38 points (13-of-21 FGs), 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks and five three-pointers in Game 3 against the Timberwolves on Friday.
Analysis: It's been a career full of outstanding performances for LeBron James and the 40-year-old small forward delivered yet another in Game 3. With Luka Doncic available, but dealing with a stomach bug, James carried the Lakers with 38 points and five made three-pointers. Los Angeles found themselves in a tie game with four minutes left before the Timberwolves pulled away. James scored almost as many points in Game 3 (38) as he did in the first two games of the series combined (40). It's a quick turnaround for the Lakers who will look to avoid falling behind 3-1 in the series in Game 4 Sunday. |
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Luka Doncic Doncic posts 31/12/9 line, Lakers even series
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 6:53 PM
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 31 points (9-of-20 FGs, 11-of-11 FTs), 12 rebounds, nine assists, one block and two three-pointers in a 94-85 win over the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Tuesday.
Analysis: After the Lakers dropped Game 1, Luka made sure they wouldn't head out on the road for Game 3 down 0-2. He scored 22 points in the first half alone, and while he wasn't able to replicate that dominance after the break, he was still able to do enough to even the series. Doncic fell one assist shy of a triple-double, which would have been the 11th playoff triple-double of his career. This was also Luka's first postseason win with Los Angeles, and he'll look to add another in Game 3 on Friday to help the Lakers take back homecourt advantage. |
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Austin Reaves Austin Reaves tallies 16/5/5 line vs. Minnesota
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 6:49 PM
Austin Reaves finished with 16 points (7-of-14 FGs), five rebounds and five assists in Game 2 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Analysis: Reaves really struggled in Saturday's loss in Game 1, and some of those shooting woes carried over into Game 2. He didn't hit a three-pointer, which was just the third time that has happened since the calendar flipped to 2025. However, he was more efficient from the floor overall. The offense will continue to run through Luka Doncic, which means Reaves will continue to get good looks from beyond the arc. He just needs to start making them. Look for that to start happening in Game 3 on Friday. |
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LeBron James LeBron pours in 21/11/7/1/1 line in Game 2 victory
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 6:47 PM
LeBron James contributed a strong line with 21 points (8-of-19 FGs), 11 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in Game 2 against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Analysis: Game 1 was one to forget for LeBron, but he bounced back well on Tuesday. James didn't match his five âstocksâ from Saturday, but the entire team had a much better defensive performance after giving up 117 points in their last game. Offensively, James was better, but he still wasn't his typical dominant self that we see come out during the playoffs. He's 40 years old, so we'll cut him some slack. Game 3 will be in Minnesota on Friday, and James will need to have a big night for the Lakers to reclaim homecourt advantage. |
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Austin Reaves Austin Reaves finishes Game 1 loss with 16 points
Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 5:27 PM
Austin Reaves tallied 16 points (5-of-13 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), three rebounds, three assists and three three-pointers in 37 minutes in Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves.
Analysis: While Luka Doncic went off for 37 points, Reaves and LeBron James combined to score 35 in Saturday's Game 1 defeat. And this wasn't the easiest matchup for Reaves during the regular season. In three meetings with the Timberwolves, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 three-pointers while shooting 42.5 percent from the field. Reaves is one of many Lakers who will need to bring more to the table if they're to win this series. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, with the Lakers aiming to even the series before it shifts to Minneapolis. |
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LeBron James LeBron records 19/5/3/2/3 line in Game 1 loss
Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 5:27 PM
LeBron James shot 8-of-18 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line in Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves, scoring 19 points with five rebounds, three assists, two steals, three blocks and one three-pointer in 36 minutes.
Analysis: Saturday's game was the 288th of James's playoff career, and he finished with a complete stat line. However, this was the first in which he failed to score at least 20 points since Game 5 of the Lakers' 2023 first-round series against the Grizzlies. Based on what the Timberwolves were able to do in the final three quarters of Game 1, the Lakers are going to need more from LeBron moving forward. Game 2 is on Tuesday night. |
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Luka Doncic Doncic drops game-high 37 points in Game 1 loss
Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 5:26 PM
Luka Doncic accumulated 37 points (12-of-22 FGs, 8-of-9 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and five three-pointers in 40 minutes in Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Playing in the postseason as a Laker for the first time, Doncic recorded a gaudy stat line in Saturday's series opener. Unfortunately, he was also responsible for five turnovers, and the Lakers were unable to keep the Timberwolves under wraps after getting off to a solid start. The turnover count wasn't out of the ordinary for Doncic, but his efficiency will be of heightened importance in this series. Especially if the Lakers have as much trouble defensively as they did in Game 1. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night. |
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