Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (calf) had his first full practice in two weeks on Wednesday. He has been rehabbing a left calf contusion that Doncic sustained in training camp. According to Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, Doncic did "really, really well" on Wednesday, but it's unlikely that Doncic will be on the court on Thursday when Dallas wraps up its preseason with a game against Milwaukee. The losing finalists from last season begin the 2024-25 campaign on Oct. 24 versus San Antonio, so there's still a good amount of time left for Doncic to work his way into game shape.

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 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.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (calf) is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Dallas ruled him out for at least a week with a left calf contusion on Wednesday. However, sources have told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that there is "no concern" about Doncic being ready for opening night. Dallas begins the campaign on Oct. 24 versus San Antonio. Doncic is coming off a hugely successful season and is poised to continue dominating in 2024-25. However, he's yet to play more than 72 games in an NBA season, so it's likely fantasy managers will have to do without him for a stretch at some point.