Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) missed the team's first game back from the break due to an ankle issue that he talked about during All-Star interviews. Head coach Darvin Ham said that "in all likelihood" James will return to the starting lineup on Friday night against the San Antonio Spurs. Giving everyone the matchup they want to see with James and Anthony Davis against Victor Wembanyama. The Lakers are currently hanging on to the ninth seed in the West and James' health will likely decide how far they can climb in the standings. Fantasy managers should look for James and Davis to play as much as they can heading down the stretch.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (ankle) is available ahead of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Christie returns to the floor after missing each of the last two games before the All-Star break. The absences of Cam Reddish (ankle) and LeBron James (ankle) should mean an increased role for Christie. He's worth a look as a possible deep league streaming option while he has an expanded role in the rotation.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (Achilles) has been cleared to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. The superstar big man will suit up for this game after being listed as probable earlier in the day. Davis will be asked to carry a heavier workload on offense with LeBron James (ankle) sidelined once again. Fantasy managers should make sure they don't have Davis on their bench ahead of this Thursday night contest.

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood won't play on Thursday against the Warriors and will be out for approximately two weeks with an effusion in his left knee. Wood's absence will leave the Lakers without a big body off the bench. However, the team should be able to cope with the situation, with Jaxson Hayes soaking in most of Wood's minutes. With that said, unless your name is Anthony Davis, you have no business being on a fantasy team as a Lakers big.

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Cam Reddish (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against Golden State. He's been sidelined for 11 games with a right ankle sprain but might be ready to return on Thursday. However, Reddish will find himself in a completely new situation compared to the time he was healthy. The 24-year-old has been a starter for most of the season, but the Lakers have been on a roll with a new starting five during his absence, and Reddish figures to play a smaller role for the rest of the way. However, he might still get a shot in the starting unit on Thursday due to LeBron James' (ankle) absence.