With fantasy basketball playoffs in full-swing, we take a look at the most valuable Lakers in fantasy. Here are three Lakers on the rise and on the decline down the stretch of the season.
—- Check out this wallpaper of Kobe dunking on Emeka Okafor! —-
On the rise:
Jodie Meeks:
After being inserted into the starting lineup, Jodie Meeks has taken advantage of his increased playing time. Meeks is averaging 36 minutes in his past two starts and is averaging 8 points and one three-pointer. However, in his past five games, Meeks is averaging 10.6 points and 1.4 three-pointers. Even though Kobe said he’s playing tonight, Meeks should play 30+ minutes and contribute three’s and points.
Advice: Pickup for three-pointers and points
Pau Gasol:
After his two games back from his foot injury, Gasol has looked more and more like the All-Star that he is. He’s averaging 14.5 points with nine rebounds and three assists, while shooting 58 percent from the field. While he won’t have many 20 points and 12 rebounds game while Dwight is there, Gasol is seeing an increase in playing time. His conditioning is still not where it should be, but when he’s back to 100 percent, look for Gasol to prove something to everyone.
Advice: Pickup for points, rebounds, field goal percentage
Dwight Howard:
March has definitely been Howard’s best month as he is averaging 17.5 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. The return of Pau hasn’t decreased Howard’s stats, but his inability to stay on the floor due to foul trouble is alarming. On the bright side, Dwight is shooting 50 percent from the free throw line, his best percentage from the line all season. As the Lakers try and make a push for the playoffs, look for more 20+ points and 10+ rebound games from Howard down the stretch
Advice: Keep him in all playoff match ups
On the decline:
Steve Blake:
After a strong three game stretch, Blake has really struggled in his past four games. He’s averaging five points, and three assists, but is only shooting 28.5 percent from the field. Blake is relied upon to make plays for the second unit, but hasn’t done so in the past four games.
Advice: He doesn’t need to be owned in any fantasy format
Earl Clark:
After creating Earl-sanity when he was inserted into the starting lineup, Clark has finally hit rock bottom. He hasn’t scored in the past three games and was looked to pick up some scoring with Metta World Peace sidelined for the season. He’s only averaging 13 minutes in those games, but is only averaging just 2.6 shots a game. After a great start as a starter, Clark can’t be relied upon for anything fantasy related.
Advice: If he’s on your roster, drop him
Antawn Jamison:
Jamison’s decline doesn’t have much to do with his on-court play, but more to do with his nagging wrist injury. He is averaging 11.7 points and five rebounds in the past four games, but has been experiencing more and more pain in his wrist. He has been seen wincing and in pain during games and there is a chance he might have to shut it down. Still, he’s been an effective player of late, but with a crowded front court he might see decreased minutes with his wrist injury as well.
Advice: Seek alternative players
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