Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) isn't available for Saturday's matchup against the Jazz. The multi-time MVP logged 24 minutes in Thursday's blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns, ending the night with 10 points off a rough 3-for-11 shooting. Unfortunately, he tweaked his ankle in that one, so his absence could extend into Monday's meeting with OKC. That said, Anthony Davis (ankle) is the favorite to lead the team in scoring without James on the floor. At the same time, Austin Reaves and Taurean Prince could see a significant increase in scoring chances, even more so if D'Angelo Russell (knee) isn't in the lineup.

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Maxi Kleber (toe) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Pelicans. The Mavericks have been without him since Nov. 8, but Kleber was upgraded to doubtful ahead of Thursday's clash with the Knicks, and with him being upgraded again ahead of the weekend, it looks like Kleber's return to the court isn't far away anymore. He's made only five appearances this season, registering 3.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18.0 minutes. Kleber isn't expected to impact things in fantasy basketball.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (ankle) has been ruled out for a second consecutive game while he deals with a right ankle sprain. Despite not playing in their last game against the New York Knicks, the Mavericks were able to squeak by with a win behind Kyrie Irving's 44 points. Doncic's ankle sprain must be a bad one to keep him out of this contest against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday because it could mean a lot when it comes to playoff seeding. They're a half-game behind the Pelicans and a win would put them in the sixth seed instead of potentially the play-in. While Doncic is out, Irving's usage should skyrocket again while Tim Hardaway Jr. will also see a boost in minutes.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns. This marks the fifth game in a row that Hachimura has missed due to a left calf strain. His absence will mean that Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood will absorb extra playing time. It sounds like Hachimura has been making good progress and is hopeful to play on Saturday. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update.

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Maxi Kleber (toe) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Knicks. He's been out since Nov. 8, and it seems unlikely Kleber will return on Thursday. The German is recovering from a right small toe dislocation. Before getting hurt, Kleber managed to make only five appearances for the Mavericks, posting 3.4 points and 4.2 rebounds. He's never been a reliable fantasy piece, although Dallas could really use an extra big body right now, as Dereck Lively II (ankle) has also run into health issues.