Drew

Timme

Hayes will miss a third straight game with this foot injury, which means Drew Timme, Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt will be the backup center options. Vanderbilt should be the only way that plays enough minutes to provide value, though none of them have contributed enough in the box score to be worth streaming in.

Rui Hachimura enters the starting unit, replacing Drew Timme. The Lakers have lost three straight games, have recently dropped a spot in the Western Conference standings, and are currently the fourth seed. They’ll hope the lineup change can help get the team back in the win column.

James is back after sitting out Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Thunder. His return will push Drew Timme to the bench, eliminating the former Gonzaga standout’s fantasy value.

With LeBron James (foot) out and the Thunder starting Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, Timme made his first start of the season on Tuesday. He played reasonably well, reaching double figures for the third time in 24 appearances. The Lakers’ final three games of the regular season include back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday, so it’s possible that Timme gets another start, or at the very least plays extended minutes.

Kleber will miss a second straight game with a back injury, joining Jaxson Hayes on the sidelines. Jarred Vanderbilt will once again serve as Deandre Ayton’s primary backup, with Drew Timme possibly getting some run as well.

Having ruled out Maxi Kleber (back) less than an hour before Tuesday’s scheduled tip time, the Lakers announced shortly after that Hayes is also out. Jarred Vanderbilt takes on added importance within the frontcourt rotation, and there may also be a few minutes available to Drew Timme.

Kleber wasn’t on the initial injury report, but he may end up sitting out against New Orleans. Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes would likely take on a few extra minutes each if Kleber is sidelined, though there is a chance that there are some Drew Timme minutes sprinkled in as well.

Hayes exited early from Sunday’s game and will remain sidelined against Orlando. Rui Hachimura spent some time as a small-ball center, though Drew Timme should also help fill some of the minutes down low when Deandre Ayton is on the bench.

Hayes sprained his right ankle during the first half, limiting his first stint to five minutes. With Deandre Ayton in foul trouble, the Lakers were forced to go small, with Rui Hachimura serving as the small-ball center. If Hayes misses time beyond Sunday, there may be a few minutes available to Drew Timme.

Ayton was one of the starters that missed Tuesday’s game against San Antonio, but he may end up missing another game. Jaxson Hayes would likely get another start if Ayton remains out, with Drew Timme filling out the backup minutes.