Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) is expected to suit up for Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. The superstar forward is carrying a questionable tag into this contest. James has been nursing an ankle issue for weeks now. The Wizards are one of the worst teams in the league. That being said, the Lakers don't exactly need James in order to have a good chance at winning this game. Taurean Prince would move into the starting five and have some deep league appeal if James is forced to sit out. Fantasy managers should check back for another update ahead of game-time.

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Maxi Kleber (toe, nose) is set to return to the lineup for Friday's battle with Boston. He skipped the second leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday versus Toronto. Despite the Mavericks getting frontcourt help in the form of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, Kleber has continued to see 20-plus minutes regularly. However, he's struggled to please fantasy managers, averaging only 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 22.2 minutes for the season.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Friday's intriguing matchup against Boston. He's picked up a left ankle sprain after posting a big 30-point triple-double on his 25th birthday Wednesday night. Doncic has been a warrior for the Mavericks, missing only one of the last 18 contests. If Doncic can't play, Kyrie Irving would get the keys to the offensive in a revenge game against this former team, while there would also be plenty of shots available for others. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dante Exum are the main candidates to replace him in the starting lineup.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's clash with the Wizards. James put in a vintage performance on Wednesday against the Clippers but could sit out the second leg of a back-to-back to rest his ailing left ankle. The veteran superstar has skipped one game in each of the last two back-to-back situations. Taurean Prince would have a chance to move back into the starting five if James is out on Thursday. He's totaled 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in a starting role this season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James outscored the Clippers on his own in the fourth quarter to lift the team to a 116-112 victory in the Battle of Los Angeles on Wednesday night. With James leading the charge, the Lakers pulled off a 21-point comeback in the fourth. It marks the largest fourth-quarter comeback in James' career. He masterminded the late push with a 19-point effort in the quarter, while the Clippers were limited to only 16 points across the final 12 minutes of action. James had a game-high 34 points in total with a spectacular 7-for-12 effort from deep. He shot 13-for-21 overall and completed his line with six rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks. James has been a man on a mission since returning from the All-Star break, averaging 30.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists in three games with 57 percent shooting from behind the arc.