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Daily Fantasy Report Card - Los Angeles Lakers

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For the rest of the NBA season, theScore will be giving out report cards every Tuesday and Thursday, grading the daily fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Los Angeles Lakers.

PG D'Angelo Russell

After a strong start to the year, Russell has faded. He's averaged 13.9 points through his past 20 games and just eight points in 21 minutes in his past six. A recent MRI revealed multiple injuries will force him to sit out for 1-to-2 weeks. His condition, level of play, and at daily fantasy price tag will all be worth monitoring once he returns.

Despite the struggles and injury, Russell will remain an intriguing daily play to finish off the season. He possess great 3-point range and strong scoring upside. He's best utilized in tournament formats against poor perimeter defenses. But be cautious upon selecting him even when he returns. Grade: B

SG Nick Young

Starting 40 games and playing 26 minutes a night, Young has returned to form, averaging 13.8 points with 2.9 3-pointers. He still has that infamous scoring upside, registering 20 points or more in nine contests. It's because of that upside that daily players should continue to mull over whether or not to select Swaggy P on a nightly basis.

Considering Young's fantasy value is tied solely to his ability to score and drain threes, he remains a tournament target against poor perimeter defenses. At a relatively economic price tag, though, Young is a nice play when you need to save some cash. Grade: B

SF Luol Deng

For the first time in his career, Deng is averaging fewer than 10 points a game, and for the first time since his rookie year, he's averaging under 30 minutes. While he's still a fine real-life player, Deng's fantasy value is on the decline.

With the Lakers sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference and Deng now 31-years-old, a further dip in playing time and usage may be expected as the Lakers opt to groom their younger pieces. Unless his daily fantasy price drops significantly and he picks up his play, Deng will remain on the outside looking in of fantasy relevancy. Grade: C

PF Julius Randle

Randle is likely the safest Laker daily fantasy option to be had. He comes with double-double potential thanks to averages of 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds. An increase to 3.9 assists per night cements his appeal. While the return of PF Larry Nance Jr. will hurt Randle, it won't be enough to truly impact his value.

Randle should be specifically targeted against weaker rebounding teams, as he's collected at least six boards in each of the 15 games he's returned cash game value, and double-doubled in all but one of the five times he's returned tournament value. Grade: B+

C Timofey Mozgov

Mozgov has never been much of a fantasy target, and that narrative has remained true this season. Though he's started 46 games, he's averaging just 21 minutes a night and scoring 7.8 points with 4.8 boards. Furthermore, he's grabbing a career-low 12.5 percent of total rebounds available.

But because of his minimal productivity, his daily fantasy price also remains minimal. It's this factor that has allowed him to return tournament value nine times this season and three times in the month of January alone. Draft the Russian when you need a punt play and only then. Grade: B

Bench Players

PG Lou Williams

Lou Will continues to shine as a scorer, averaging a career-high 18 points a night. A recent injury to Russell will provide him with even greater opportunity for the next two weeks. Daily players have to be targeting him right now, regardless of format, as a handful of 20+ point nights can be expected going forward. Grade: A

SG Jordan Clarkson

It's been a quiet year for Clarkson, who's been relegated to a bench role after notching 79 starts in 2015-16. A decline in minutes and production has followed, with the third-year pro averaging 14 points in 27 minutes this season. While Clarkson is still a capable guard, L.A.'s crowded backcourt hinders his ability to post big games. Ultimately, there is little daily fantasy appeal here. Grade: C

SF Brandon Ingram

The Duke rookie is still a work in progress, but there are signs of development. Thanks to a numerous team injuries, Ingram has started 13 games and has averaged 28 minutes for the season. In his past nine games, Ingram's averaged 12.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, making him a decent tournament play when a plus matchup and increased playing time can be expected. Grade: C+

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