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Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura produces 22/10 double-double
Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 5:41 PM
Rui Hachimura posted a double-double on Sunday with 22 points (8-of-12 FGs), 10 rebounds, one steal and three three-pointers against the Jazz.
Analysis: Hachimura has been on a hot streak recently, having scored in double figures in five straight games. However, this was his best game of the stretch, as it was his highest-scoring outing since January and his first double-double of the season. With the status of Luka Don?i? (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) up in the air, Hachimura will be a vital piece for the Lakers against the Rockets in the first round. |
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Deandre Ayton Ayton posts 22/10 double-double with three swats
Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 5:39 PM
Deandre Ayton lit up the Jazz on Sunday with 22 points (10-of-14 FGs), 10 rebounds, one assist and three blocks in a 131-107 win.
Analysis: It has been an up-and-down first year with the Lakers for Ayton, but he ended the regular season on a high note. This was his first 20-point double-double in a month, and he was also able to make an impact as a shot blocker. The health of Luka Don?i? and Austin Reaves are the two biggest questions for the Lakers right now, but Ayton will also be a big factor for them. He'll be matched up with Alperen Sengun in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday. |
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LeBron James LeBron James (foot) available Sunday vs. Jazz
Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 1:39 PM
LeBron James (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Jazz.
Analysis: 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. |
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Jaxson Hayes Jaxson Hayes (foot) out again vs. Utah
Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 10:03 AM
NBA Injury Report
Jaxson Hayes (foot) has been ruled out against the Jazz on Sunday.
Analysis: Hayes will remain sidelined for a fourth straight game, which means the Lakers will turn to Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber for the backup center minutes. However, that hasn't led to much production for either player. |
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Nick Smith Shams: Lakers sign Nick Smith Jr. to 2-year deal
Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 6:00 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a two-year deal.
Analysis: Sunday's transaction ensures that Smith will be available for the playoffs, a needed move since the Lakers are unlikely to have Luka Don?i? (hamstring) or Austin Reaves (oblique) for the first round. The 27th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Smith has played between 11 and 13 minutes in each of the Lakers' last three games, so this signing will not significantly affect the rotation. |
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LeBron James LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes questionable vs. Utah
Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 5:50 PM
NBA Injury Report
LeBron James (foot) and Jaxson Hayes (foot) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Jazz.
Analysis: 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. |
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LeBron James LeBron James records 28/6/12/4 line vs. Phoenix
Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 7:00 PM
NBA
LeBron James notched 28 points (10-of-16 FGs, 6-of-9 FTs), six rebounds, 12 assists, four steals and two three-pointers in Friday's win over the Suns.
Analysis: 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 Don?i? 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. |
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Marcus Smart Marcus Smart (knee) plays 18 minutes in return
Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 7:00 PM
Marcus Smart (knee) tallied six points (2-of-5 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one blocked shot in Friday's win over the Suns.
Analysis: Friday's game was the first for Smart since March 21, and the veteran guard was used in a reserve role against the Suns. While he can be inconsistent at best as a scorer, Smart's abilities as a perimeter defender make him an essential contributor for the Lakers. Especially with Luka Don?i? and Austin Reaves not likely to be ready when the playoffs begin on April 18. |
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Luke Kennard Luke Kennard posts 19 points, three steals vs. PHX
Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 6:59 PM
Luke Kennard amassed 19 points (6-of-12 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), one rebound, three assists, three steals and two three-pointers in Friday's win over the Suns.
Analysis: With their win over the Suns, the Lakers still have a chance of being the No. 3 seed in the West. However, they would need a win over the Jazz on Sunday, combined with a Nuggets loss to the Spurs, to make that happen. Kennard looked sharp on Friday, and he's reached double figures in all four games the Lakers have played since losing Luka Don?i? and Austin Reaves. Once the playoffs begin, the Lakers will need consistent production from Kennard, likely at a higher level than in the last four games. |
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Luke Kennard Luke Kennard (finger) available Friday vs. Suns
Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 3:38 PM
Luke Kennard (finger) is available for Friday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: Kennard has been cleared after he was initially listed as questionable with a finger injury. The 29-year-old shooting guard has taken on extra importance with the Lakers missing Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Kennard has eight and nine assists in his last two games, so managers can consider him a reliable source of assists once again Friday. |
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Jaxson Hayes Jaxson Hayes (foot) remains out vs. Phoenix
Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 10:18 AM
NBA Injury Report
Jaxson Hayes (foot) has been ruled out against the Suns on Friday.
Analysis: Hayes will miss a third straight game with this foot injury, which means Drew Timme, Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt will be the backup center options. Vanderbilt should be the only way that plays enough minutes to provide value, though none of them have contributed enough in the box score to be worth streaming in. |
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Marcus Smart Marcus Smart (ankle) off injury report vs. Suns
Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 10:14 AM
NBA Injury Report
Marcus Smart (ankle) is not on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: Smart will be back following a nine-game absence, and the reinforcements for this depleted Lakers rotation will be helpful. Luke Kennard (finger) has been starting but is questionable for this game. Smart will likely replace him in the starting unit regardless of Kennard's availability. |
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Luke Kennard Luke Kennard (finger) questionable vs. Phoenix
Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 10:10 AM
NBA Injury Report
Luke Kennard (finger) is questionable to play against the Suns on Friday.
Analysis: Kennard has become a pivotal piece in the Lakers' starting unit due to the absences of both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Marcus Smart will be back following a nine-game absence, which may push Kennard to the bench if he plays, though Smart will certainly occupy his starting spot if Kennard is out. |
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Luke Kennard Luke Kennard adds eight dimes in win over Warriors
Thu, Apr 9, 2026, 7:03 PM
Luke Kennard amassed 14 points (6-of-11 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), two rebounds, eight assists, four steals and one three-pointer in the win over the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Kennard followed up his nine-assist performance with another great display of passing on Thursday. The veteran guard also tallied a season high in steals, accounting for over a quarter of the Lakers' total. He has fit in nicely as a Laker since being traded from the Hawks ahead of the February trade deadline. He'll likely return to a reserve role once the team's key perimeter players return from injury. However, Kennard remains productive as a starter. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton scores 21 in win over Warriors
Thu, Apr 9, 2026, 6:56 PM
Deandre Ayton logged 21 points (9-of-11 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, one assist and one block in the win over the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Ayton bounced back from a lackluster three-point performance on Tuesday to reach the 20-point mark on Thursday for the first time since March 12 against the Bulls. He hardly missed shots and did the majority of his damage in the paint. The former first-overall pick didn't contribute in many other statistical categories, but his scoring production against the Warriors was important, as the Lakers gear up for the playoffs. |
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LeBron James LeBron James posts 26/8/11/2/1 line in win vs. GSW
Thu, Apr 9, 2026, 6:50 PM
LeBron James amassed 26 points (11-of-17 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), eight rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers in the win over the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: 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 Don?i? and Austin Reaves, and that should remain the case as long as they're out of the lineup. |
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Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura will start Thursday vs. Warriors
Thu, Apr 9, 2026, 3:42 PM
Law Murray
Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia will start against the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Rui Hachimura enters the starting unit, replacing Drew Timme. The Lakers have lost three straight games, have recently dropped a spot in the Western Conference standings, and are currently the fourth seed. They'll hope the lineup change can help get the team back in the win column. |
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Marcus Smart Marcus Smart (ankle) downgraded to out vs. GSW
Thu, Apr 9, 2026, 10:05 AM
NBA Injury Report
Marcus Smart (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against the Warriors.
Analysis: Smart will miss a ninth straight game as he recovers from an ankle injury. Jake LaRavia will continue to start, and he'll need to offer greater production since Luka Don?i? and Austin Reaves are also out. |
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Jaxson Hayes Jaxson Hayes (foot) remains out vs. Golden State
Wed, Apr 8, 2026, 2:26 PM
NBA Injury Report
Jaxson Hayes (foot) is out for Thursday's game against the Warriors.
Analysis: Hayes will miss a second consecutive game as he deals with a sore left foot. Drew Timme, who logged 27 minutes as a starter in Tuesday's loss to the Thunder, could shift into the backup center role. He would not be worth the risk in active fantasy leagues in that scenario since Deandre Ayton is available. |
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LeBron James LeBron James (foot) removed from injury report
Wed, Apr 8, 2026, 2:23 PM
NBA Injury Report
LeBron James (foot) is not on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Warriors.
Analysis: 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. |
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