Jake

LaRavia

Vanderbilt’s dislocated finger, suffered early in Tuesday’s series opener, will keep him on the sidelines for Game 2. His absence removes a versatile defender from the Lakers’ rotation, leaving more minutes off the bench available for Jake LaRavia. Vanderbilt tallied just six minutes in the Game 1 loss.

Vanderbilt was ruled out after injuring his finger during the first half in Game 1 vs. OKC. He had logged just six minutes off the bench, tallying two points and one rebound. Jake LaRavia could potentially see more minutes while Vanderbilt is unavailable.

LaRavia’s absence from the injury report indicates that he’ll be available to take the floor for the Lakers on Friday. He’s come off the bench in each of the first two games against the Rockets in this series, posting six total points on 1-of-5 shooting from the field. He’ll likely play a similar role as a reserve in Game 3.

LaRavia’s injury should be monitored, but it doesn’t sound very serious. If he’s forced to miss Game 3 at Houston, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt could see increased run.

Shams notes that Dončić and Austin Reaves (oblique) are unlikely to be available for the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets. Filling the void left by LA’s superstars will be no easy task, and the Lakers will tackle the issue using a platoon approach. Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura should be the next men up in the rotation.

Smart will miss a ninth straight game as he recovers from an ankle injury. Jake LaRavia will continue to start, and he’ll need to offer greater production since Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are also out.

Smart’s absence on Tuesday will mark his eighth straight. With injuries to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and now Smart, the Lakers’ backcourt depth is being tested. Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia could start and see extended minutes, yet again.

Smart remains out for a seventh straight game as he continues to recover from a right ankle contusion. Jake LaRavia will get another start, and he has a higher fantasy ceiling with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves also out.

Thursday’s game is the sixth that Smart has missed due to a right ankle contusion. Jake LaRavia will continue to start, which makes him worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues.

This was LaRavia’s fifth straight game as a starter, with the most recent start before that coming before the All-Star break. He had some solid stretches earlier this year, but March was a rough month for him. This was his only double-digit scoring game of the month, and it took him not missing a shot to reach that. He has been able to contribute more defensive stats as a starter, which gives him a little upside, but he hasn’t truly taken advantage of the extra minutes.