Los Angeles

Lakers

Kleber was also questionable ahead of Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans before being cleared, but he picked up a DNP-CD. Even if he’s available for the matchup with Denver, there’s no reason to consider rostering the veteran forward/center.

Dončić was whistled for his 14th technical foul in this game, which puts him just two away from facing a one-game suspension. He had been doing a good job of keeping the turnovers in check since the All-Star break, but that went out the window in this one. After turning it over a total of 12 times over his last six games, he had his most turnovers in a game since January. He’ll look to get back on track in that area in Denver on Thursday to help the Lakers push this winning streak to four games.

Smart has been solid all season, but this may have been one of his best performances. He made big contributions on both ends to help the Lakers finish the game on a 24-8 run. He now has nine steals over his last two games, and he set a new season high for blocks in this game. Of course, he also has nine triples over his last four games, making him an excellent fit as a three-and-D guard in this starting unit. Smart likely won’t continue racking up the defensive stats at this rate, but he’ll remain an excellent option for the Lakers.

He was able to get some offense going in the second half, but it was still a rough outing for him. He missed all six of his shots in the first half and entered the break with just two points. However, he was able to make up for it by making an impact in other ways. This was his sixth straight game with fewer than 20 points, which is quite different from how he started the season. His efficiency and volume have both dropped, but he has still been effective.

Kleber is good to go after initially being questionable. His playing time has increased recently, but not to the point where he affects fantasy basketball. Kleber can be left on the waiver wire.

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.

In his first eight games as a Laker, Kennard averaged 0.9 three-pointers while making seven of his 17 attempts. He was far more active in the team’s blowout wins over the Warriors and Kings to end Week 18, shooting 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. And Kennard isn’t solely a shooter, as evidenced by the five assists he recorded against the Kings. While his recent production won’t change much regarding his fantasy value, a more active Kennard off the bench is essential if the Lakers are to be a factor in the postseason.

Given how much was made about his comments last week when asked about his role, Ayton appears to be skating on thin ice with Lakers fans and fantasy managers. Sunday’s stat line wasn’t elite, but the 7-footer did not miss a shot from the field against the Kings. What truly stood out, however, was the playing time. Ayton played 18 minutes, while backups Jaxson Hayes (four points, five rebounds, one assist and one block) and Maxi Kleber (six points, six rebounds and one block) played 13 and 14 minutes, respectively. For those counting on Ayton for production during the fantasy playoff weeks, hopefully, he’ll turn things around.

Initially questionable for Sunday’s game due to arthritis in his left foot, things worked out perfectly for James and the Lakers. He looked fine while on the floor, even hitting three straight three-pointers during a stretch that began late in the third quarter. The blowout meant that LeBron was able to watch most of the final frame from the bench, getting some valuable rest. The Lakers play four games in Week 19, starting with the Pelicans on Tuesday.

Dončić only needed to play 29 minutes on Sunday, as the Lakers outscored Sacramento by a 36-18 margin in the first quarter and never looked back. That matched his minutes tally from Saturday’s rout of the Warriors. For a player who’s averaging nearly 36 minutes per game, having a back-to-back in which his playing time decreases in both games is a positive development. Luka and the Lakers open a four-game Week 19 on Tuesday against the Pelicans.