Is LeBron James playing tonight vs Grizzlies?
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James fitness is a question ahead of the Lakers next match against the Memphis Grizzlies
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LeBron James
LeBron James picked up an injury against the Dallas Mavericks following a comeback win and fans have been eagerly waiting for his fitness update. The King has missed 14 games this season but has been a staple in fantasy teams this season. LeBron ranks 2nd for players in his position on fantasy performance and will be a huge miss for fantasy owners if he does not play.
LeBron James’ selection has not been confirmed yet, but he did play the entire game against Dallas so there is hope. He scored 11 points after getting injured and led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 27-point comeback win.
Fantasy owners will hope LeBron James gets back to fitness as soon as possible, as the tail end of the season is when fantasy basketball gets the most intense.
Is LeBron James playing tonight?
LeBron James has been sidelined for the Laker’s game against the Grizzlies. Multiple reports say that this could extend for multiple weeks as the post-game scans do not look good. NBA reporter Shams Charania Tweeted, “Sources: There’s fear Lakers star LeBron James is likely to miss an extended period with his right foot injury. James suffered the injury in Sunday’s win over Dallas, played through it, and belief is he will be sidelined an indefinite amount.”.
LeBron’s injury seems quite serious as he was heard saying “I heard it pop” after hitting the floor. He is no stranger to ankle injuries. The Lakers will be without their best player this season for an indefinite amount of time. This will not only hurt their playoff hopes but fantasy owners’ playoff hopes as well.
Where is LeBron James playing?
LeBron James has primarily functioned as a power forward for the Lakers this season. However, The King has played all 5 positions throughout his career. He started as a point guard/shooting guard for the Cavaliers. Then transitioned into a small forward for the Miami Heat and eventually a power forward or center for the Lakers. LeBron James has mastered positionless basketball with his high IQ and immense skill.
This season LeBron has been the focal point of the Laker’s offense. He usually picks up the ball in the post and works down defenders for a layup. In transition, The King goes for fast-break dunks as he always has. He is only shooting 30% from three but shoots around 7 threes a game this season. The King will continue to play power forward for the Lakers but his return is unknown.
Lebron James’ fantasy updates and predictions
LeBron is averaging 52.2 fantasy points per game this season and is rostered by every single player. LeBron’s average has dropped from last season’s 55.8 but the drop off is not significant. Lebron still puts up unreal numbers as he is averaging 29 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists this season. An all-round player is best suited for fantasy teams and LeBron is just that.
LeBron has had an exceptional career so far with 4x MVPs, 4x championships, and 10 final appearances. The King is no stranger to fantasy basketball as he is normally involved until the last game of the season. LeBron could choose to leave LA at the end of his contract as his dream is to play his last season with his son Bronny James. However, with the frequency of injuries, it looks like father time might finally be catching up to LeBron.
LeBron James alternative picks for your fantasy team
With LeBron James confirmed out for tonight’s game, here are some alternatives for your team. Damian Lillard is arguably the most in-form player in the NBA right now and is a perfect replacement. Lillard is averaging 39 points over his last 11 games including a 71-point explosion in his latest matchup. Dame is also averaging 55 fantasy points this season and is a perfect alternative to LeBron James.
The next best option is LeBron’s teammate himself, Anthony Davis. AD will have increased responsibility with LeBron out and more of the ball as well. The Brow scored 30 points in the Laker’s win against the Mavericks and is averaging more fantasy points than LeBron this season at 55.2. AD will be motivated to get the Lakers across the line with LeBron out which could increase his scoring numbers significantly. Anthony Davis is LeBron’s only hope for the playoffs and could save your fantasy team too.
Also Read: Jimmy Butler nails a sweeping reverse lay-up over Joel Embiid to cease the Miami Heat’s losing run
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Anuj Shrikanth Iyer
(290 Articles Published)