| News |
|---|
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Marcus Smart Marcus Smart (ankle) questionable Thursday vs. GSW
Wed, Apr 8, 2026, 2:21 PM
NBA Injury Report
Marcus Smart (ankle) is questionable to play against the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Smart has missed the last eight games, but his upgrade to questionable gives him a chance to get on the floor to help an injury-hit Lakers team down the stretch of the regular season. Smart has fit in nicely during his first season in Los Angeles. If he plays, he'll provide defense and three-point shooting. |
|
Jarred Vanderbilt Jared Vanderbilt benched during second quarter
Tue, Apr 7, 2026, 7:23 PM
Law Murray
Jarred Vanderbilt finished Tuesday's loss to the Thunder with three points (1-of-1 FGs), two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one three-pointer.
Analysis: With LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes joining Luka Don?i?, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart on the sidelines for Tuesday's game, Vanderbilt appeared well-positioned to play increased minutes. However, he lasted only one four-minute stint, with Lakers head coach JJ Redick benching the forward for the rest of the night. After the 123-87 defeat, Redick said it was a âconfluence of thingsâ that prompted him to pull Vanderbilt during the second quarter and not go back to him. Vanderbilt's benching and his reaction to it are worth watching heading into the playoffs, but they won't affect active fantasy leagues. |
|
Luke Kennard Luke Kennard dishes out nine assists vs. Thunder
Tue, Apr 7, 2026, 6:57 PM
Luke Kennard finished Tuesday's loss to the Thunder with 10 points (4-of-7 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), two rebounds, nine assists and one steal.
Analysis: Given the absences from the Lakers' lineup, fantasy managers in active leagues likely hoped for more scoring from Kennard. He attempted just seven shots, which was more about Oklahoma City's defense than any hesitation on Kennard's part. He was essentially the focus of their defensive efforts, limiting the guard's scoring opportunities. However, Kennard recorded a game-high nine assists while shooting over 50 percent from the field. Getting LeBron James (foot) back for the final three games of the regular season would certainly help Kennard and the other Lakers. |
|
Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura scores 15 points vs. Oklahoma City
Tue, Apr 7, 2026, 6:56 PM
Rui Hachimura tallied 15 points (7-of-10 FGs, 0-of-3 FTs), five rebounds, one assist, one block and one three-pointer in Tuesday's loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: Hachimura shot the ball well from the field, making 70 percent of his attempts. The points and rebounds were solid, but the overall output was underwhelming, especially with the Lakers not having Luka Don?i? (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique) or LeBron James (foot). With James considered day-to-day and the other two out until the playoffs at a minimum, the Lakers will need more production from Hachimura. |
|
Jaxson Hayes Jaxson Hayes (foot) ruled out vs. Oklahoma City
Tue, Apr 7, 2026, 3:44 PM
Khobi Price
Jaxson Hayes (foot) is out for Tuesday's game against the Thunder.
Analysis: Absent from the Lakers' initial injury report, Hayes is now out with a sore left foot. Jarred Vanderbilt's playing time is likely to increase since LeBron James is also out, with Maxi Kleber also receiving a boost. |
|
LeBron James LeBron James (foot) out Tuesday vs. Thunder
Tue, Apr 7, 2026, 9:46 AM
NBA Injury Report
LeBron James (foot) is out for Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder.
Analysis: 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. |
|
Marcus Smart Marcus Smart (ankle) out Tuesday vs. OKC
Mon, Apr 6, 2026, 1:56 PM
Justin Martinez
Marcus Smart (ankle) will miss Tuesday's game against the Thunder.
Analysis: Smart's absence on Tuesday will mark his eighth straight. With injuries to Luka Don?i?, Austin Reaves, and now Smart, the Lakers' backcourt depth is being tested. Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia could start and see extended minutes, yet again. |
|
LeBron James LeBron James (foot) questionable vs. OKC
Mon, Apr 6, 2026, 1:51 PM
NBA Injury Report
LeBron James (foot) is questionable to play against the Thunder on Tuesday.
Analysis: The Lakers are already without Luka Don?i? 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. |
|
Luka Doncic Shams: Luka Don?i? going to Europe for treatment
Sun, Apr 5, 2026, 4:51 PM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports Luka Don?i? (hamstring) will seek specialized medical treatment in Europe.
Analysis: Don?i? is out for the season with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The 27-year-old consulted with Lakers doctors and his own medical team, according to Charania, and decided he'll seek treatment in Europe in an effort to return to playing sooner. Presumably Don?i? would be targeting a return early in the NBA Playoffs, though there's still no timeline for his return. |
|
Jaxson Hayes Jaxson Hayes contributes 23 points vs. Dallas
Sun, Apr 5, 2026, 4:31 PM
Jaxson Hayes recorded 23 points (8-of-10 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), four rebounds and two assists in Sunday's loss to the Mavericks.
Analysis: The injuries suffered by Luka Don?i? and Austin Reaves have opened things up for the other Lakers in the rotation. That includes Hayes, who scored a season-high 23 points in 27 minutes off the bench. He outplayed starter Deandre Ayton (13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot), who logged 20 minutes. Nights like Sunday have not been the norm for Hayes; if they were, he would be the starter. But he's capable of delivering unexpected production on occasion. |
|
Luke Kennard Luke Kennard drops first career triple-double
Sun, Apr 5, 2026, 4:30 PM
Law Murray
Luke Kennard amassed 15 points (5-of-17 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), 16 rebounds, 11 assists, one steal and one three-pointer in Sunday's loss to the Mavericks.
Analysis: In defeat, Kennard had the most productive all-around game of his NBA career. Finishing with his first triple-double, the Lakers' guard finished Sunday's defeat with a new career-high in rebounds. This was Kennard's first game with at least 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Lastly, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, he had never recorded a 10-rebound game and a 10-assist game in the same season. Performances like Sunday's are highly unlikely to become the norm for Kennard, but injuries to Luka Don?i? and Austin Reaves raised his ceiling for managers whose leagues are active in Week 24. |
|
Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura posts 21 points, seven rebounds
Sun, Apr 5, 2026, 4:30 PM
Rui Hachimura accumulated 21 points (9-of-13 FGs), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and three three-pointers in Sunday's loss to the Mavericks.
Analysis: Back in the starting lineup due to injuries to Luka Don?i? and Austin Reaves, Hachimura finished Sunday's defeat with his first 20-point game since February 12. He did not offer much value beyond points, rebounds and three-pointers, but Hachimura has long been a better option for points leagues than category leagues. For those competing in leagues that will be active in Week 24, Hachimura is rostered in just 10 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He is worth adding, especially with the Lakers playing four games. |
|
LeBron James LeBron James records 30 points, 15 assists
Sun, Apr 5, 2026, 4:29 PM
LeBron James finished Sunday's loss to the Mavericks with 30 points (12-of-22 FGs, 5-of-9 FTs), nine rebounds, 15 assists, one steal and one three-pointer.
Analysis: With no Luka Don?i? 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. |
Connect With Us:
