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LeBron James set to practice with Lakers ahead of season debut

Sun Nov 16 1:00pm ET
Field Level Media

LeBron James is set to practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, marking the first time he will join the team on the court since being sidelined in the preseason with sciatica, multiple outlets reported Sunday.

James' recovery took a step forward last week when he was assigned to the franchise's G League affiliate and practiced with the South Bay Lakers.

The Lakers announced during the first week of preseason games in October that James would miss the start of the season. It marked the first time in his career that James missed a season opener.

The 40-year-old is set to become the first player in NBA history to play in 23 seasons when he makes his season debut. After completing a five-game road trip with a 24-point win on Saturday at Milwaukee, the Lakers play five of their next six games at home starting Tuesday against the Utah Jazz.


Without James, Los Angeles has opened the season with a 10-4 record to pace the Pacific Division.

The leading scorer in NBA history averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game last season, finishing sixth in Most Valuable Player balloting and earning second-team All-NBA honors.

The 21-time All-Star, four-time MVP and four-time NBA champion has scored 42,184 points and ranks second all-time in games played (1,562) behind Robert Parish (1,611).

Player Notes
Tre Jones Sun Nov 16 1:10pm

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Utah Jazz after posting 11 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 30 minutes against Detroit. He has topped 30 minutes in three straight games, but that workload is likely to shift with Josh Giddey (ankle) probable after a two-game absence and Coby White (calf) potentially making his season debut. Jones has averaged 13.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.0 steals over his last five. Yet, his role depends heavily on Chicago's injury-thinned backcourt. If both guards return, Jones becomes more of a deep-league assists and steals streamer rather than a standard-league hold, with a realistic drop to the low-20s in minutes.

PJ Washington Sun Nov 16 1:10pm

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers after exiting early against Phoenix and missing time. Over his last five games, he has averaged 13.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.4 blocks in about 26 minutes. He is shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from three during that stretch. When healthy, he typically plays in the low to mid 30s. With Anthony Davis (calf) doubtful, Washington should slide back into a primary frontcourt role, stabilizing Dallas' rebounding and secondary scoring. His return slightly caps the recent usage spikes for Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford, but all three remain viable in standard leagues while the Mavericks stay shorthanded.

Precious Achiuwa Sun Nov 16 1:10pm

Sacramento Kings forward/center Precious Achiuwa (illness) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. He has been filling in at power forward with Keegan Murray sidelined. He is averaging 6.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 58.6 percent shooting in 18.8 minutes this season. Achiuwa is mostly a deeper league streamer for rebounds, field goal percentage, and occasional defensive stats, but he gains appeal if Domantas Sabonis (ribcage) also sits. If Achiuwa is ruled out, managers in deeper formats can look to Drew Eubanks or Maxime Raynaud as short-term frontcourt streamers, while Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan could see even more small-ball usage.

Bilal Coulibaly Sun Nov 16 1:10pm

Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block in 23.8 minutes across his first four games before the injury. Coulibaly brings defensive upside and has a path to low-end standard league value if his role stabilizes. The shooting remains a concern at 36.8 percent, but the rebounds, assists, and stocks keep him relevant for managers needing across-the-board production. His return would squeeze minutes for Kyshawn George, Corey Kispert, and Cam Whitmore, making the Wizards' wing rotation one to monitor as he works back into the lineup.

Jonathan Kuminga Sun Nov 16 1:10pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will miss Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans with patellar tendonitis. Kuminga averaged 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 27.7 minutes across 13 games before the setback, and his absence shifts Golden State toward more small-ball lineups. Jimmy Butler III should see extra time at the four, while Draymond Green is likely to pick up more center minutes. Moses Moody and Will Richard have started recently and should remain in the rotation, giving them deep-league appeal for threes and light scoring. Managers should hold Kuminga in most formats, as his role and counting stats remain helpful once he returns.

Grayson Allen Sun Nov 16 1:10pm

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (quadriceps) will miss Sunday's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a right quad contusion. Allen has been a key perimeter scorer, posting 18.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.9 threes on 46.8 percent shooting. He has also shot 44.7 percent from deep, including a scorching 54.8 percent from three across his last five. His absence removes one of Phoenix's most reliable floor spacers and secondary playmakers. Devin Booker should absorb more usage, while Dillon Brooks gains extra shots on the wing. Managers in deeper leagues can look to Jordan Goodwin or Collin Gillespie for short-term help in assists and threes until Allen returns.

Luka Doncic Sun Nov 16 12:00am

Los Angeles Lakers' G Luka Doncic scored 41 points on 9-of-19 shooting in a 119-95 win over Milwaukee on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Nikola Jokic Sun Nov 16 12:00am

Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds in a 123-112 win over Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Coby White Sat Nov 15 9:20pm

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) has been listed as questionable for a game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. He could be ready to make his season debut after practicing with the team on Saturday. This week, White also spent some time with the Bulls' G League affiliate to get in additional practice reps. It wouldn't be surprising to see the team initially limit White's workload. However, once he finds his footing, White should become an integral part of the offense going forward. He had a very strong finish to last season, posting 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game after the All-Star break.

Josh Giddey Sat Nov 15 9:10pm

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) is on track to return to action on Sunday against the Utah Jazz, as the team has listed him as probable for the game. Giddey has missed a pair of games due to a right ankle sprain, allowing Kevin Huerter to run with the starters. Only a handful of players have been more productive than Giddey at the start of the season, as the 23-year-old averages 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.0 steals. He could cook up something very special on Sunday, as Chicago and Utah are both ranked in the top 10 in the league for pace, making this an outstanding fantasy matchup.

Ja Morant Sat Nov 15 9:00pm

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (calf) was limited to six minutes in Saturday's 108-100 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Returning to action after missing one game due to an ankle problem, Morant lasted less than 10 minutes against Cleveland due to right calf soreness. Vince Williams Jr. took Morant's spot in the starting lineup for the second half, finishing the contest with eight points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 27 minutes. Although Williams Jr. couldn't get it done offensively on Saturday, he will be an interesting fantasy piece if Morant has to miss additional time, especially with Ty Jerome (calf), Javon Small (toe), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) all missing from the backcourt.

Zion Williamson Sat Nov 15 9:00pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) is listed as questionable on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Golden State Warriors. There have been several positive updates on Williamson's recovery from a hamstring injury this week, and it looks like he might be ready to return to the lineup on Sunday. If Williamson's comeback doesn't come in Sunday's game, it might happen on Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second leg of a back-to-back. Saddiq Bey has done an admirable job as Williamson's replacement in the starting lineup, but he will lose momentum if he has to return to the second unit.

Alex Caruso Sat Nov 15 8:50pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (hand) has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic reports. Coming off the bench, Caruso logged only 1:42 of action before hurting his right hand. His exit from the game allows Isaiah Joe and Ajay Mitchell to take on more shifts in the rotation. The team has labeled Caruso's injury as "right hand soreness," which doesn't sound too serious. However, he could still miss additional time because of it. The Thunder's next game is scheduled for Monday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Domantas Sabonis Sat Nov 15 8:40pm

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (ribs) is considered questionable for Sunday's clash against the San Antonio Spurs. He has played in four consecutive contests despite being listed as questionable each time, so it appears likely that Sabonis will remain in the lineup on Sunday. However, if he suffers a setback, the Kings will likely hand the starting center job to Drew Eubanks, who recently filled in for Sabonis in the first unit a couple of times. Eubanks averaged 14.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in those contests.

Anthony Davis Sat Nov 15 8:30pm

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (calf) has been listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers. This marks a downgrade to Davis' status because he has previously been on the injury report with a questionable designation. If there isn't a positive development in the next 24 hours or so, Davis will miss a ninth consecutive game. Fortunately for the Mavericks, they received some help in the frontcourt with the return of Dereck Lively II on Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. After missing nearly three weeks of action, Lively II was limited to 17 minutes. His workload may increase on Sunday night, with Daniel Gafford also in a position to see more playing time due to Davis' absence.

Paolo Banchero Sat Nov 15 8:30pm

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) remains out for Sunday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. He injured his groin during a recent meeting with the New York Knicks and wasn't available for Friday's NBA Cup game versus the Nets. He'll now miss his second-straight game because of the issue, although there hasn't been much revealed regarding his prognosis. While Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Desmond Bane are the favorites to benefit the most on the scoring end, Tristan da Silva, coming off a 22-point effort as a starter, is worth streaming in any fantasy format.

Aaron Nesmith Sat Nov 15 8:20pm

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (knee) will be out of action for at least four weeks, head coach Rick Carlisle announced on Saturday. Nesmith sprained his left knee on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. His exit from the lineup gave Jarace Walker a new starting opportunity on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors. During a recent seven-game stint in the first unit, Walker averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 31.0 minutes per game. If he sticks in the starting lineup, the 22-year-old is set to have additional fantasy value until at least mid-December.

Tari Eason Sat Nov 15 8:10pm

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (oblique) will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, head coach Ime Udoka announced on Saturday. Eason was diagnosed with a strained oblique following his early exit from Friday's victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The 24-year-old has been an important contributor in the rotation, averaging 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds across 23.2 minutes, with close to 51 percent shooting from outside. Josh Okogie has broken into the starting lineup and may now see even more playing time due to Eason's absence. Reed Sheppard's role could also expand in the rotation.

Victor Wembanyama Sat Nov 15 8:10pm

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (calf) is questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Sacramento Kings. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick is playing at an MVP level, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He also hasn't missed a game after being limited to 46 appearances last season. However, nagging calf tightness could be enough to keep him off the floor for the first time in the 2025 campaign. If Wemby can't go, there are several directions head coach Mitch Johnson could go, although most of them will likely result in more minutes for Julian Champagnie, Luke Kornet, and Keldon Johnson.

Marcus Smart Sat Nov 15 8:00pm

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (illness) will miss Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team has ruled him out due to illness. Smart has had a strong eight-game stretch as a starter, averaging 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.6 steals. In his absence, Bronny James Jr. will make his second career start in Saturday's game. This is a big opportunity for James Jr. to make an impression after averaging only 12.1 minutes across eight contests so far this season. The 21-year-old should be fresh for the contest after being in the rotation in only one of the last three games.


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