Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) isn't ready to play in Tuesday's season opener against the Timberwolves. After having procedures done on both feet in May, there was hope a week ago that Vanderbilt would be ready for the start of the regular season, but he still needs more time to recover. He will sit out at least the first five games before being re-evaluated. This is a bitter blow for Vanderbilt after he already missed most of last season because of health issues. Due to his absence, Rui Hachimura has had an opportunity to lock down a starting role. He posted 15.4 points and 4.8 rebounds as a starter last season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) missed the last couple of months of last season due to foot injuries. He then underwent surgeries on both feet in May and has been rehabbing since then. Head coach JJ Redick said that "He's following our ramp-up protocol," and "he has not done any contact work." On top of that, he said that Vanderbilt hasn't even participated in non-contact drills in training camp or preseason so far. While Redick and the Lakers are "hopeful" that he returns for the start of the regular season, there's no official timetable for Vanderbilt's return.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis is expected to play in Sunday's preseason clash with the Suns. The 31-year-old didn't play on Friday night versus the Timberwolves to rest. However, he'll likely see limited action in his first exhibition of the year. Davis had a stellar 2023-24 campaign, averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks. He also logged a career-high 76 games. Although Davis' percentage from deep isn't the best, he still has plenty to offer fantasy managers in any format. As far as Sunday's contest is concerned, Davis' presence against Phoenix could mean less work for Jaxson Hayes, who had 14 points in 21 minutes with the starting lineup on Friday.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James plans to play in Sunday's exhibition versus the Suns. The veteran didn't suit up for the Lakers' preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, James will get on the floor for this one, although he'll likely see limited action. With that said, his presence could still mean fewer minutes for others, especially Dalton Knecht, who is coming off a 16-point performance on Friday.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is feeling great ahead of his 22nd NBA campaign and is ready to still make an impact at a high level. Speaking to the media on Monday, James noted he feels "really good physically," "real sharp, very fresh mentally," and that he still has "a lot in the tank." James will turn 40 on Dec. 30, but it looks like fantasy managers can count on getting another very productive campaign out of him. The four-time MVP notched 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists with a career-high 41 percent three-point shooting last term.