Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) will be active on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets. He missed the last game before the All-Star break due to ankle soreness. Finney-Smith has been a solid addition to the Lakers rotation, but his fantasy stock has significantly dropped since his move to Los Angeles. The 31-year-old has been limited to 6.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 25.2 minutes with his new squad. On Wednesday, Finney-Smith may have a larger role in the proceedings if LeBron James (foot) cannot play. The Lakers have listed James as questionable for the matchup.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (face) is not on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The 24-year-old big man played only seven minutes in the previous game against the Utah Jazz, exiting the action with a facial contusion. However, he will not have to miss additional time because of the injury. Hayes has started seven consecutive games for the Lakers, averaging 8.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over that span. With the Mark Williams trade rescinded, the Lakers will likely continue to roll with Hayes in the starting unit at the number five position.

According to Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, guard Luka Doncic will remain on a minutes restriction on Wednesday against the Hornets. However, Redick added that he's "hopeful" that won't be the case moving forward. The 2018 No. 3 overall pick injured his calf during the Christmas meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves and didn't get back on the court until he made his Lakers debut on February 10 versus the Jazz. Since his arrival in Los Angeles, Doncic has averaged 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting a miserable 26.7% from behind the arc. The 25-year-old should see around 25 minutes of work on Wednesday night, capping his DFS potential. Yet, Doncic should remain starting in season-long formats, and he'll likely turn up the volume from a statistical standpoint once he gets acclimated with his new squad.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot, ankle) is currently considered questionable for Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The superstar forward sat out of the All-Star game due to a lingering foot and ankle issue. James has been dealing with this issue for quite some time and has continued to play through it most nights. It's worth noting that Wednesday is the front end of a back-to-back set. That being said, the Lakers might be more cautious and rest James in a favorable matchup against the Hornets. Head coach JJ Redick said James was able to get through most of Tuesday's practice, so that does bode well for him suiting up on Wednesday. If he sits, Dorian Finney-Smith and possibly Dalton Knecht would see more action.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle, foot) won't suit up for Sunday's All-Star Game. The superstar forward has been on the injury report almost daily this season. James continues to deal with lingering foot and ankle soreness. That being said, James will take the cautious approach and sit out of this exhibition contest. The Lakers resume the regular season against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. James should be ready to go for that game, but fantasy managers will need to check back later in the week for another update.