Los Angeles

Lakers

James’ availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is on the back end of the Lakers’ rotation on most nights, if he plays at all. And with Austin Reaves (calf) potentially returning, the chances of Bronny playing decrease even more.

Reaves has been out since Christmas Day, but that could change during the Lakers’ lone trip to Madison Square Garden. Marcus Smart has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but the production has not been consistent enough to merit being rostered in most 12-team leagues.

James struggled in Wednesday’s blowout loss, but he was able to get back on track in this game. He was far more efficient, though it didn’t turn into a great outing because of how dominant Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton were and how lopsided the score was. Still, it was good to see LeBron bounce back, especially since he has been quieter in recent weeks after a strong start to January. Next up on the schedule is a trip to New York on Sunday, which will be game seven of this eight game road trip.

Dončić got off to an unreal start to this game, and he ended up entering halftime with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. This was the second time in Dončić’s career that he recorded a triple-double in a single half, joining Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook as the only players to do it multiple times in the play-by-play era, per Stathead. He has been fantastic all season, and this performance was one of his best. He’ll look to keep it going in New York on Sunday to wrap up the week.

It has been a rough stretch for Ayton recently, but the Wizards didn’t have an answer for him in this game. This was Domin-Ayton at his finest. Across his five games prior to this game, he had scored a total of 33 points. He fell one point shy of matching his season high for scoring, though that hasn’t been typical for him. Ayton’s role has been inconsistent, which has contributed to his production following the same trend. He’ll look to stay hot in New York on Sunday.

Dončić twisted his ankle during Wednesday’s loss to the Cavaliers. The 26-year-old point guard was able to return and finish the game, but wound up on the injury report as questionable. Dončić will play Friday against the Wizards and should be without restriction.

Reaves hasn’t played since Christmas Day, but he was upgraded to questionable ahead of this game. However, he won’t make his return yet, which means Marcus Smart will get another start. Reaves’ next chance to play will be against the Knicks on Sunday.

Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas Day, but he could be back to take on Washington. Marcus Smart has been starting in his place, but with Luka Doncic (ankle) also questionable, there is a scenario where Reaves returns and Smart starts in place of Luka. Eventually, Smart will be pushed to a reserve role.

The Cavs’ lifted court resulted in an injury scare for Dončić and the Lakers; he twisted his ankle on the uneven surface while hopping backwards after shooting a three-pointer. He was able to return to finish the game, but there is a chance he sits out against Washington. In that scenario, Gabe Vincent will likely slide back into the starting unit in his place.

The good news for Ayton and those who have him on their fantasy rosters is that he didn’t miss a shot. The bad news is that he wasn’t much of a factor otherwise, recording four rebounds and a blocked shot in addition to his 10 points. With LeBron James being 41, the Lakers need more from Ayton. And so do those who have him rostered.