Luka Dončić scores 21 points in 16 minutes

Dončić picked up a technical foul during the third quarter of Thursday’s exhibition, but this is a good time for that to happen since they don’t carry over into the regular season. Dončić led the Lakers in points and shot attempts, and that will once again be the norm when the regular season begins. Currently boasting a top-5 ADP, Luka’s fantasy ceiling rises slightly in turnover-punt builds.

Because of a hamstring strain suffered in early April, Dončić did not play at all during the postseason. He’s good to go now, with the Lakers’ cornerstone saying during Media Day that he will not be restricted when the team opens training camp. That’s great news for the Lakers and fantasy managers, as Dončić should be an early first-round pick in all drafts. However, given his importance to a team moving on without LeBron James, Dončić may be given a light workload during the preseason.

James, who turns 42 in December, will play his 24th season in the NBA. However, it is not known which team he’ll suit up for. According to agent Rich Paul, the future Hall of Fame forward has informed the Lakers that he will not be re-signing with the team. Given the amount of money now tied up in Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, James’ decision is surprising but not a seismic shock. In recent days, the Warriors have been rumored as a potential destination, with Draymond Green opting out of the final year of his deal to free up additional money for the franchise to make moves. While Dončić was already one of the first players to be selected in fantasy drafts, James’ exit raises Reaves’ ceiling in 2026-27.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić were first-team selections on all 100 ballots, while Wembanyama was selected on 99. Unsurprisingly, they were the three finalists for league MVP, with Gilgeous-Alexander winning the award for a second consecutive season. Dončić and Cunningham, who needed waivers from the league to be eligible for postseason honors, round out the first team.

Reaves really had a tough time generating points on Tuesday. Without a three-point make and through poor shooting inside the arc, he logged his first single-digit scoring performance of the season. The fifth-year pro also struggled with turnovers, but his six assists helped to somewhat overshadow the giveaways. Especially with Luka Dončić still sidelined, the Lakers will need Reaves to play at a much higher level in Game 2 and moving forward against the NBA’s defending champions.

On April 29, it was reported that Dončić, who strained his left hamstring in an April 2 loss to the Thunder, had no return timeline. He’ll remain out at the start of the second-round series, with the hope that the Lakers will get Dončić back at some point. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura will continue to play significant minutes until Dončić can play.

Charania reports that even if the Lakers advance to face the Thunder in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, Dončić is expected to remain out to begin the series. While the 27-year-old point guard has done on-court work, he hasn’t progressed to full scrimmages yet, according to Charania. Dončić’s return was described by Charania as a slow path, which also doesn’t inspire confidence for a speedy recovery. He last appeared in a game for the Lakers on April 2.

LA is up 3-1 with Game 5 back at crypto.com Arena. Even if the series goes the distance, Dončić will not return to the court sooner than the Western Conference semifinals. Until the superstar returns, the Lakers will continue to pick up the slack using a committee approach.

Durant’s status comes after resting in the regular-season finale against the Grizzlies. Now with Game 1 approaching, his uncertain availability is undoubtedly worth monitoring. Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, averaged 26.0 points and 4.8 assists per game this season. If unable to go, his superstar production will be missed in Game 1, which will be without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves on the Lakers’ side.

The NBA ruled in favor of Cunningham and Doncic on their Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge for the 65-game award rule. Both players will now be eligible for season honors such as MVP and All-NBA teams. Doncic missed two games in December due to the birth of his child and Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards also filed a challenge, but was denied and is not eligible for awards, according to Charania.