Jake

LaRavia

Smart was initially listed as doubtful for this game and has now officially been downgraded to out. Jake LaRavia started when Smart was sidelined earlier this season and could return to that role for this game, which would provide him with upside as a streamer.

Smart, who took a hard fall during Tuesday’s win over the Timberwolves, is on track to sit out Thursday’s game with a hip contusion. Jake LaRavia, who Smart replaced in the starting lineup earlier this season, could be the replacement. If so, he would be worth streaming in deep leagues.

With LeBron James (elbow, foot) unavailable, Hachimura made his 32nd start of the season and first since February 12. While he did shoot the ball reasonably well in his 23 minutes, the 6-foot-8 forward did not offer much value outside of points and three-pointers. Jake LaRavia played 16 minutes off the bench, finishing with eight points (3-of-7 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs) and two rebounds.

Already dealing with left foot arthritis, James fell hard on his left elbow during Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets. He’ll sit out Friday’s game, likely resulting in Jake LaRavia moving into the starting five. If so, that raises LaRavia’s short-term fantasy ceiling.

Hachimura missed Thursday’s loss to the Suns and was listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Warriors, so his absence isn’t much of a surprise. Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard should continue to see more minutes with Hachimura sidelined.

Hachimura did not play in Thursday’s loss to the Suns and appears likely to remain sidelined on Saturday. His absence led to more minutes for Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard, with the former offering a slightly higher fantasy ceiling.

Hachimura is out after initially being listed as questionable, leaving the Lakers down a reserve. Jake LaRavia and Luke Kennard should see their playing time increase with Hachimura unavailable.

Hachimura, one of the Lakers’ most important reserves, is dealing with an illness. If he’s unable to go, the Lakers will rely a bit more on fellow reserve Jake LaRavia.

Dončić and Ayton missed time before the All-Star break, but both players will be available against the cross-town rivals. Expect each of them to handle their typical workloads which will mean fewer minutes for Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes.

With Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James all sidelined for Tuesday’s game, it felt like a spot where LaRavia could get all the shots that he wanted. Unfortunately, he got into early foul trouble, committing five in the first half. LaRavia would foul out with 7:43 remaining in the third quarter, playing 19 minutes. The Lakers should be closer to full strength for Thursday’s game against the Mavericks, which should mean LaRavia takes on a role that he’s more comfortable with.