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Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura (calf) questionable Friday vs. MIL
Thu, Jan 8, 2026, 2:14 PM
NBA Injury Report
Rui Hachimura (calf) is questionable for Friday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis: Hachimura has missed the Lakers' last five games with a strained right calf, and a return to action may not be far away. If he's able to play on Friday, Jake LaRavia will be the player most affected. While LaRavia's minutes would decrease, he may be worth holding onto in deep leagues to account for a potential minutes restriction for Hachimura. |
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LeBron James LeBron James (foot) questionable Friday vs. MIL
Thu, Jan 8, 2026, 2:09 PM
NBA Injury Report
LeBron James (foot) is questionable for Friday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis: James did not play in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs, which led to Jarred Vanderbilt making a spot start. Vanderbilt is more valuable as a defender than as a scorer, so he did not offer much fantasy value. James will be back in the starting lineup if he's allowed to play on Friday. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton limited to nine points vs. SAS
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 6:10 PM
Deandre Ayton tallied nine points (4-of-9 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs.
Analysis: After Ayton put up 16 shots in Tuesday's win over the Pelicans, fantasy managers likely hoped for a similar output on Wednesday, especially with LeBron James (toe) out. Unfortunately, he only attempted nine shots, with Jake LaRavia (13) and Luka Don?i? (26) being the only Lakers to hit double digits in attempts. With James possibly returning to the lineup on Friday, fantasy managers have to hope that his presence will result in a few more opportunities for Ayton. |
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Jake LaRavia Jake LaRavia hits four triples, scores 16 points
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 6:10 PM
Jake LaRavia amassed 16 points (6-of-13 FGs), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and four three-pointers in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs.
Analysis: Due to Rui Hachimura's calf injury, LaRavia has started the Lakers' last five games. And he's been productive, reaching double figures in three of the five starts. Rostered in 26 percent of Yahoo! leagues, LaRavia has been close to a top-50 player in eight-cat formats since December 30. The only issue facing managers considering adding LaRavia is the schedule. Friday's game against the Bucks is the Lakers' last of Week 12. |
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Luka Doncic Luka Don?i? posts 38 points, triple-double vs. SAS
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 6:09 PM
Luka Don?i? finished Wednesday's loss to the Spurs with 38 points (13-of-26 FGs, 10-of-16 FTs), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two three-pointers.
Analysis: With no LeBron James (toe), Don?i? was left to shoulder most of the offensive workload for the Lakers on Wednesday. In the first half, he either scored or assisted on 39 of the team's 43 points. Don?i? finished with his fourth triple-double of the season and first since December 18. The negatives: the triple-double wasn't recorded in a victory, and Luka committed seven turnovers. The Lakers play their final game of Week 12 on Friday against the Bucks. |
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Jarred Vanderbilt LAL starts Luka, Smart, LaRavia, Vanderbilt, Ayton
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 3:09 PM
NBA Lineups
Luka Don?i?, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton will start Wednesday's game against the Spurs.
Analysis: The Lakers won't have LeBron James (foot) for Wednesday's game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Vanderbilt will fill the void, and while he doesn't offer much value offensively, starting may raise his defensive ceiling. The other four starters are unchanged. |
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Gabe Vincent Gabe Vincent (back) to play 18 minutes max
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 2:12 PM
Dave McMenamin
Gabe Vincent (back) will be limited to 18 minutes in Wednesday's game against the Spurs.
Analysis: Vincent has missed the Lakers' last nine games with a lumbar back strain. With LeBron James (foot) out, there will be a need for more offense from the available players. However, Vincent will not exceed 18 minutes in his first game back, so there's no need to stream him. |
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LeBron James LeBron James (foot) downgraded to out Wednesday
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 1:58 PM
Daniel Starkand
LeBron James (foot) is out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs.
Analysis: After scoring 30 points in Tuesday's win over the Pelicans, James will sit out the second game of the Lakers' road back-to-back. Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt should play more minutes off the bench, with one likely moving into the starting lineup. |
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LeBron James LeBron James (foot) questionable Wednesday vs. SAS
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 9:47 AM
NBA Injury Report
LeBron James (foot) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Spurs.
Analysis: James is dealing with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica, and he could be sidelined for the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set after going for 30/8/8 in Tuesday's win over New Orleans. If James is sidelined, more minutes could be available for Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton tallies 18 points, full stat line
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 4:35 PM
Deandre Ayton accumulated 18 points (9-of-16 FGs), 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocked shots in Tuesday's win over the Pelicans.
Analysis: After Friday's dud against the Grizzlies, Ayton has bounced back with two solid performances. On Tuesday, he recorded his second double-double in five games and 13th of the season. Generally speaking, when Ayton is involved in the offense early, he can be relied on for solid effort/production throughout. Fantasy managers who have him rostered will certainly root for the Lakers to feed Ayton early before Luka Don?i? and LeBron James take over. |
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Luka Doncic Luka Don?i? drops 30 points, 10 assists vs. NOR
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 4:34 PM
Luka Don?i? tallied 30 points (11-of-22 FGs, 5-of-9 FTs), two rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers in Tuesday's win over the Pelicans.
Analysis: Don?i? has scored at least 30 points in five straight games, recording two double-doubles during this run. If there's been an issue for the Lakers' star, it has been turnovers, which should not surprise any fantasy managers. Don?i? recorded five on Tuesday, a number that he's met in five of his last six appearances. While the turnovers aren't an issue for eight-cat managers or those willing to punt the category, this is something that nine-cat managers have to anticipate when drafting Don?i?. |
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LeBron James LeBron James records 30/8/8/2/1 line vs. NOR
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 4:34 PM
LeBron James finished Tuesday's win over the Pelicans with 30 points (10-of-19 FGs, 7-of-7 FTs), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers.
Analysis: 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. |
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Gabe Vincent Gabe Vincent (back) downgraded to out Tuesday
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 12:32 PM
Ryan Ward
Gabe Vincent (back) is out for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans.
Analysis: Tuesday's game is the ninth that Vincent will miss as he continues to work his way back from a lumbar back strain. With Austin Rivers also out, the Lakers have turned to Nick Smith Jr. to play rotation minutes off the bench. During his pregame availability, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that he expects Vincent to be available for Wednesday's game against the Spurs. |
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Gabe Vincent Gabe Vincent (back) doubtful vs. Pelicans
Tue, Jan 6, 2026, 7:51 AM
NBA Injury Report
Gabe Vincent (back) is doubtful for Tuesday's matchup with the Pelicans.
Analysis: Vincent was listed as questionable on Monday, but he's now expected to miss a ninth straight contest. In his absence, Nick Smith Jr. could continue to see additional playing time off the Lakers' bench. |
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Gabe Vincent Gabe Vincent (back) questionable vs. New Orleans
Mon, Jan 5, 2026, 11:38 AM
NBA Injury Report
Gabe Vincent (back) is questionable to play against the Pelicans on Tuesday.
Analysis: Vincent has missed the last eight games for the Lakers but could return against New Orleans. His absence has allowed Nick Smith Jr. to play more, though when Vincent returns, Smith will likely lose out on minutes. |
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Deandre Ayton Deandre Ayton rebounds, posts 15/8/1/1/3 line
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 6:19 PM
Deandre Ayton tallied 15 points (6-of-8 FGs, 3-of-6 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and three blocks in Sunday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Coming off of one of his least productive games of the season, Ayton bounced back with a solid effort on Sunday. The Lakers did more to get him involved early on the offensive end of the floor, resulting in the 7-footer bringing the engagement that's required of him on defense. While Ayton remains a top-75 fantasy player for the season, he has been ranked outside the top-150 over the past two weeks. Hopefully, he can build on Sunday's performance, especially defensively. |
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Jake LaRavia Jake LaRavia contributes 26 points, four triples
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 6:19 PM
Jake LaRavia finished Sunday's win over the Grizzlies with 26 points (9-of-16 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, one steal and four three-pointers.
Analysis: With Rui Hachimura (calf) and Austin Reaves (calf) unavailable, LaRavia came up big for the Lakers in their two wins over Memphis. Having scored 21 points on Friday, he dropped 26 in Sunday's rematch and recorded a near-complete stat line. Rostered in just 18 percent of Yahoo! leagues, LaRavia has been a top-50 player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. With the Lakers playing four games in Week 12, now is the time to add LaRavia if he's sitting on your league's waiver wire. |
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LeBron James LeBron James posts 26 points, 10 assists vs. MEM
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 6:18 PM
LeBron James accumulated 26 points (8-of-14 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), seven rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and two three-pointers in Sunday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: 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. |
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Luka Doncic Luka Don?i? drops game-high 36 points vs. Memphis
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 6:18 PM
Luka Don?i? accounted for 36 points (10-of-20 FGs, 12-of-13 FTs), nine rebounds, eight assists, one block and four three-pointers in Sunday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: Don?i? has scored at least 30 points in four straight games, and he's tallied at least 25 points in 12 consecutive meetings with the Grizzlies. And on Sunday, Don?i? kept the turnovers in check, recording three. Over the past two weeks, he has offered top-10 per-game value in eight-cat formats. The Lakers play four games in Week 12, starting with the Pelicans on Tuesday. |
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Rui Hachimura Rui Hachimura (calf) to miss upcoming road trip
Sun, Jan 4, 2026, 2:09 PM
Dave McMenamin
Rui Hachimura (calf) will not travel with the Lakers on their upcoming road trip to New Orleans and San Antonio.
Analysis: Counting Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Hachimura has missed the last three games with a calf injury. And, based on Lakers head coach JJ Redick's words on Sunday, the forward will miss at least two more games. The Lakers have a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back on the road against the Pelicans and Spurs, and Hachimura will not travel. There's a chance that he gets in some practice time with the Lakers' G League affiliate while the team is away, but that isn't guaranteed. Jake LaRavia will continue to start until Hachimura is healthy enough to play. |
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