Austin Reaves
January 2026
Reaves returned off the bench after missing 19 games with a left calf strain, posting 15 points in 21 minutes in a 125-109 win over the Nets. Redick put him on restricted minutes and said the team has missed him across the board. The absence has limited how the Lakers can judge their ceiling, with LeBron calling him an “All-Star 2-guard” level piece.
Austin Reaves
January 2026
Reaves returned off the bench after missing 19 games with a left calf strain, posting 15 points in 21 minutes in a 125-109 win over the Nets. Redick put him on restricted minutes and said the team has missed him across the board. The absence has limited how the Lakers can judge their ceiling, with LeBron calling him an “All-Star 2-guard” level piece.
LeBron James
January 2026
James was named a West reserve for a record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection after missing the first 14 games with sciatica, saying he focused on returning to form rather than chasing the honor. Coaches voted him in despite early-season missed time; debate followed due to notable omissions; James emphasized health and performance since returning, and he remains an All-Star points/minutes leader.
Stephen Curry
January 2026
Curry moved into sole possession of 19th all-time in scoring by passing Paul Pierce, finishing with 27 points in a 140-124 win. He did it with a first-quarter stepback three, continuing a strong January and adding to late-career scoring milestones, with a path to climb further if he stays healthy.
LeBron James
January 2026
Cleveland are navigating an uneven season shaped by injuries and availability issues, with Mitchell carrying scoring load while the team sits mid-pack in the East. Garland’s toe injury has limited games, Strus remains out after foot surgery, Mobley’s offense has plateaued despite elite defense, and rotation pieces like Jaylon Tyson have stepped up; outlook hinges on health and playoff matchups.
Evan Mobley
January 2026
Mobley has a calf strain and is expected to miss one to three weeks, with Cleveland preparing for a road trip after hosting the Lakers. Tightness after the Magic game led to imaging confirmation; Mobley previously missed time with a Grade 1 calf strain and recently became the youngest Cavs player to reach 500 career blocks.
Deandre Ayton
January 2026
Ayton posted 25 points on 10-for-10 shooting with 13 rebounds to power a 110-93 Lakers win, joining a small group of Lakers to hit 10 shots without a miss with 10-plus rebounds. With Toronto undersized, the Lakers repeatedly fed Ayton on lobs and close finishes, keeping all attempts inside eight feet; Redick emphasised rewarding bigs who screen and roll, while Doncic said Ayton’s focus on both ends raises the team’s ceiling heading into a long road trip.
Los Angeles Lakers
January 2026
Lakers produced their most complete performance with season-high threes and assists, but the same volatility showed up with turnovers and mid-game lapses, raising the consistency question again. A pregame meeting reset focus, stars drove playmaking, then fatigue and pace triggered a shaky stretch before a big fourth-quarter close, with Redick pointing to daily commitment as the gap between ceiling games and week-to-week reliability.
Anthony Edwards
January 2026
Edwards became the third-youngest player to reach 10,000 career points during Minnesota’s 131-122 win over Cleveland, joining a short list of under-25 scorers. He reached the mark in his fourth-quarter minutes after a strong all-around night. His pace ranks among the fastest for active players, and he is now one of the few Timberwolves ever to cross 10,000 points.
