Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (tailbone) has officially been downgraded from doubtful to out on Wednesday versus the Miami Heat. Russell did not participate in the morning shootaround with a tailbone contusion, which was a harbinger for things to come. Russell will aim to suit up when the Lakers continue a five-game homestand on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Recently demoted to L.A.'s bench, the 27-year-old former All-Star is stumbling to his fewest points per game (14.8) since Year 1 in his first full season of his second stint in Tinseltown during 2023-24. Though Russell is becoming a popular fantasy drop, we would recommend holding DLo in most leagues unless his role really goes off the rails. After putting up 20 points and nine assists in 36 minutes off the bench on Sunday, Austin Reaves looks like the team's primary facilitator alongside LeBron James (illness) for now.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (illness), who is listed as questionable for Wednesday's clash with the Miami Heat, was present at morning shootaround ahead of the action. It puts James on the probable side of the questionable marker, but his official game status could ultimately come down to a game-time decision based on how he feels after pregame warmups. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer has done a great job of staying on the court in his age-39 campaign, sporadically missing just three games. James has settled for fewer jump shots and gotten back to driving more in 2023-24, shooting a career-high 40.9% from downtown and 53.5% from the field for his best mark since joining the Lakers in 2018-19. If James surprisingly can't suit up against his former Heat team, Anthony Davis (ankle) and Austin Reaves would run the show offensively.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (tailbone) isn't expected to play on Wednesday versus the Miami Heat. He's battling a tailbone contusion, so he'll miss a second straight game if he can't get healthy. Head coach Darvin Ham recently sent Russell to the bench, meaning his fantasy ceiling has been significantly lower of late. However, his absence could at least allow guys like Max Christie and Christian Wood to get a few extra minutes, although both men aren't dependable fantasy options.