LeBron

James

James has scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games, with Tuesday’s performance representing a step forward after he struggled with his shot in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. Since the trade deadline, James has been close to a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, providing excellent value for fantasy managers. The Lakers visit the Suns on Thursday, the first of three games they’ll play to conclude Week 18.

James got back to the 20-point mark after being limited to 13 in Friday’s win over the Clippers, but there weren’t many positives to take away from Sunday’s loss to the Celtics. A 1-of-5 night from beyond the arc weighed down his field-goal percentage, and the production was limited outside of points, rebounds and assists. James and the Lakers will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they host the Magic.

Despite previously being listed as questionable, James suited up for the Lakers on Friday and provided exceptional playmaking. The four-time NBA champion picked apart the Clippers’ defense in his 33 minutes of game action and did just enough as a scorer to score in double figures and land the double-double. He didn’t make many contributions elsewhere, but still put together decent fantasy production. The Lakers play again on Sunday against the Celtics — James’s status ahead of that matchup will be one to monitor.

James, despite previously being listed as questionable, is available and starting against a Clippers team that’s fighting to get to .500. Dončić’s return from injury will give the Lakers a potent offensive unit on Friday, as they look to put together back-to-back wins and avenge a January loss to the Cllippers. They are currently fifth in the Western Conference standings.

Added to the injury report on Friday afternoon, James is good to go for the Lakers’ first game out of the All-Star break. The Lakers will be able to roll out their preferred starting lineup, as Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton are also available.

With Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton back in action, it’s possible the Lakers are playing it safe with the 41-year-old James. If James is ultimately sidelined, Rui Hachimura could see additional playing time, and James’ next chance to take the court would come on Sunday against the Celtics.

James returned after missing Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs and became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double against the Mavericks on Thursday. The 41-year-old small forward had 28 points to go with 10 rebounds and 12 assists. LeBron has provided 11th-round per game value over the last two weeks heading into the All-Star break.

LeBron sat out Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, which was the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers. He’s back in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Mavericks. James and Marcus Smart returning will push Luke Kennard and Kobe Bufkin to the bench.

James was one of multiple starters that sat out the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back on Tuesday, but he will return for their final game before the All-Star break. With Luka Dončić (hamstring) still out, James should see a spike in usage.

While James played both legs of the Lakers’ last two back-to-backs, he will not do so on Tuesday. Tuesday’s game will be the 18th that he’s missed this season, which makes the 41-year-old ineligible for postseason awards. The last time LeBron failed to make any of the three All-NBA teams was his rookie season, 2003-04.