Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

According to Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, forward Rui Hachimura (calf) will remain on a minutes restriction on Friday night versus the Nets. The former Wizard missed five games to begin 2024 but has been in uniform for the Lakers' last three contests. While his production hasn't been terrible, he's logged fewer than 22 minutes in each game since returning. That said, his minutes have steadily increased, so he could see some more work versus Brooklyn. However, Hachimura has a way to go before becoming a must-start fantasy option in any format.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) is officially questionable to play in the team's Friday night game at home against the Nets. Despite typically entering games with the questionable tag, the Lakers' star has only missed four games this year and should have a good chance to suit up. With the Lakers being off last night and tomorrow, James likely will give it a go on Friday. If he doesn't end up playing, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura would most likely step in for expanded minutes.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic put together a big comeback performance on Wednesday against the Lakers, returning to the lineup with a triple-double. Dallas struggled and went down 127-110 in Los Angeles, but Doncic had fun all night and piled up 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. He logged 36 minutes and also had an impact on the defensive end with two steals and two blocks. Doncic shot only 2-for-9 from downtown but nailed a solid 12-for-24 from the field overall. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kyrie Irving, who carried the Mavericks offense during Doncic's absence, both struggled on Wednesday, shooting a combined 9-for-33 from the field.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) and center Anthony Davis (ankle) are both available for Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Both players were uncertain coming into this game, but that seems to be normal these days. As usual, James and Davis will both be active for this game despite the injury tags. The expectation is that they will have their normal roles in the rotation, so fantasy managers can feel comfortable with them in their lineups.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (ankle) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The superstar guard will make his return to the court after missing each of the last three games. There is no word on Doncic being limited, so the assumption is that he'll have his normal workload. The return of Doncic will send Tim Hardaway Jr. to the bench. His fantasy value will take a hit with the move to the second unit, but fantasy managers should hold Hardaway for the moment.