Fantasy Basketball Exit Interview: The LeBron question looms large for Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers, without Luka Dončić, sent the Rockets home in six games, only to run into an Oklahoma City Thunder squad primed to repeat as champions. The Lakers fought as best they could, but ultimately exited the second round in a four-game sweep. Fantasy-wise, the Lakers’ Big 3 carried the load, but some tough decisions are looming ahead of next year.

Here’s what we learned from the Lakers and what to consider going forward.

Advertisement

The main fantasy assets

Dončić put together a monster season — leading the league in scoring with 33.5 ppg while also finishing the regular season second overall in High Score and sixth in 9-cat leagues. He’ll continue to be one of the best contributors from the guard spot in terms of points, rebounds and assists.

Heading into next year, Dončić remains one of the safest first-round investments in fantasy basketball regardless of what this roster looks like around him.

Austin Reaves had his coming-out party this season, outperforming his 47th overall ADP. The soon-to-be-free agent finished 30th in High Score, averaging 43.5 fantasy points per game (FPPG) and 32nd in 9-cat leagues. Reaves was limited to 51 games after dealing with ankle, calf and late-season oblique injuries, but he still posted career-bests in points, rebounds and steals, while maintaining his efficiency on increased volume.

Advertisement

The breakout is real, and now we’ll have to see how much the Lakers are willing to pay to retain his services. Lock him in as a third-to-fourth-round fantasy draft pick.

[Play 2026 Soccer Pick ‘Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world’s biggest soccer tournament]

Then there’s Deandre Ayton. A disappointment yet again.

Playing 70 games was the highlight, as his production tapered off for the fourth straight season. He failed to average a double-double for the first time in his career (he averaged 12.5 ppg with 8 rebounds), while playing the fewest minutes per night (27.2). He was very efficient from the field, but it was on low volume, and most nights he was benched for his inconsistent effort on defense and on the glass. Ayton will likely opt out…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/article/fantasy-basketball-exit-interview-the-lebron-question-looms-large-for-lakers-160809843.html

Author : Dan Titus

Publish date : 2026-05-13 16:08:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.