NBA Player News

During Lakers media day, Wood said he believed he has two more weeks of rehab and a two-week ramp-up process before he can play. While optimistic, this timeline does not align with the reports after his September knee surgery. At the time, it was stated that Wood would be re-evaluated in eight weeks, meaning he wouldn’t be ready for the start of the regular season. With this being the second procedure on Wood’s knee in the last calendar year, the Lakers exercising caution would be unsurprising. With Jarred Vanderbilt (feet) also sidelined, Jaxson Hayes should have opportunities during the preseason to earn rotation minutes.

The Lakers don’t play until Wednesday night against the Grizzlies, so there’s plenty of time for Russell to get back to total health. Fantasy managers should consider him questionable, with Gabe Vincent being an option to absorb most of the available minutes if Russell cannot play. Cam Reddish should remain in the start lineup regardless of what happens.

Sanogo is banged up after playing just four minutes in his second appearance of the season in the Bulls’ last game. The Bulls could end up being very shorthanded if he and Jalen Smith (illness) are ruled out.

Smith is in danger of missing a second consecutive game due to illness. The reserve center has done a solid job backing up Nikola Vucevic and is shooting the ball at a high level. His point and rebound averages are the lowest they’ve been since 2021-22, though.

LaVine is battling through his injury after missing most of 2023-24 and has already missed three games this season. The Bulls wing has served as his team’s primary scorer when active and will continue to do so.

Wood, who hasn’t played yet in 2024-25, is experiencing soreness after beginning his ramp up for a return to the hardwood. The Lakers’ reserve big man is likely a while away from being a serviceable fantasy asset this season.

Davis didn’t return to the court in his last game after suffering an eye injury but it appears like he won’t miss any time. The Lakers big man is recording career-high numbers as a scorer so far while being a massive defensive contributor.

George will reenter the fray after a one-game layoff. The second-year guard will likely slot back into the starting lineup as the team’s top assist man and move Isaiah Collier to the bench.

Kessler is set to miss his first game of the season after a subpar performance against Victor Wembanyama. The Jazz big man will likely be replaced by John Collins in the starting lineup.

Martin has needed to step into a larger role as of late while Miles Bridges (knee) out of commission. The all-rounder has done a little bit of everything and will be replaced by an assortment of role players if he can’t suit up on Tuesday.

Alvarado has been on of the Pelicans’ most consistent players as of late and his absence will leave a glaring hole at point guard. Brandon Ingram is most likely to take over as the team’s primary ball handler and initiator. Brandon Boston J. will get some opportunities as well.