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Lakers hiring assistants Scott Brooks, Nate McMillan

Wed Jul 3 12:17pm ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Lakers are adding a ton of experience to first-time head coach JJ Redick's staff.

ESPN reported Wednesday that longtime head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks are coming aboard as Redick's top assistants for 2024-25.

McMillan and Brooks have a combined 1,281 victories in the NBA.

McMillan, 59, compiled a record of 760-668 over 19 seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics (2000-05), Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12), Indiana Pacers (2016-20) and Atlanta Hawks (2020-23). His teams reached the playoffs 11 times, including a run to the 2021 East finals with Atlanta.


Brooks, 58, posted a record of 521-414 across 12 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-15) and Washington Wizards (2016-21). His teams made the playoffs eight times, including Oklahoma City's trip to the 2012 NBA Finals. He was the NBA Coach of the Year in 2009-10.

McMillan was out of the league last season. Brooks spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach for the Trail Blazers.

Player Notes
Devin Vassell Sat Nov 9 12:00am

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (foot) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old is coming off a solid season, averaging a career-high in 68 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a stress fracture late in March and has been working his way back since. Without question, Vassell has untapped potential. While there's an excellent chance he'll be even more productive during the 2024-25 campaign, it could take him a few weeks to get back up to speed. With that said, It's unknown if Vassell will come off the bench or start in his first game back, whenever that will be. But he will likely see limited minutes, meaning Stephon Castle, coming off a 14-point, six-assist showing, could see at least a few more starts.

Zach LaVine Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (adductor) is questionable for Saturday's game in Atlanta. The 29-year-old last played in the win over Brooklyn on November 1, scoring 21 points while going 5-for-9 from behind the arc. However, he's missed the Bulls' previous three contests because of a right adductor strain. If LaVine can't return for Saturday's contest, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in three starts this season, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.

Immanuel Quickley Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Clippers. He hasn't played since the opener and has been on the shelf since because of a pelvic contusion. Fortunately, there's optimism the former Knick will be back soon, potentially as early as Saturday's game. It's unknown if Quickley will see limited minutes in his first game back, assuming he plays. But if he's not back on the floor, Davion Mitchell, averaging 10.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in eight starts this season, could continue to directly benefit.

Keyonte George Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Spurs. The 21-year-old has played well this season, averaging a career-high 15.6 points and 6.4 assists. But he's in danger of missing the meeting with San Antonio because of foot soreness. If George can't get on the floor, Jordan Clarkson would presumably take over his spot in the rotation, increasing his fantasy potential. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen could also benefit from a production standpoint without George in the equation.

Malaki Branham Fri Nov 8 11:50pm

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's contest versus the Utah Jazz. The 2022 No. 20 overall pick recorded a season-high 17 points in Thursday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. But he tweaked his ankle late in the game and is now questionable against a Jazz team with only one victory during the 2024-25 campaign. Branham has played relatively well this season. However, he's not a consistent fantasy producer, and even if he plays, his outlook won't be as favorable if Devin Vassell (foot) is back on the floor.

Jamal Murray Fri Nov 8 7:50pm

According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is expected to play versus the Miami Heat on Friday. Murray has missed three straight games after being placed in concussion protocol on November 1st after suffering a concussion versus the Timberwolves. If the 27-year-old's time on the court is limited on Friday, expect Christian BraunandPeyton Watsonto grab some of the minutes that could be potentially available.

Devin Booker Fri Nov 8 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) will play on Friday versus the Dallas Mavericks. The sharpshooter was a late addition to the injury report because of an illness. However, he's good to go. Bradley Beal (elbow) is also cleared to suit up, meaning fewer minutes and scoring opportunities will be available for guys like Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and Tyus Jones.

Bradley Beal Fri Nov 8 7:20pm

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Friday versus the Mavericks. The elbow injury isn't anything new, so most were aware that there was a good chance he'd be out there on Friday night. With Devin Booker (illness) also cleared to suit up, it should mean fewer minutes and scoring opportunities for Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones.

Grant Williams Fri Nov 8 6:50pm

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (back) will take the court against the Pacers on Friday despite dealing with some lower back soreness earlier in the day. He was initially listed as probable after sustaining the injury during Wednesday's win over the Pistons. With Miles Bridges (knee) out, the 25-year-old is expected to be part of the starting lineup. Across eight contests, Williams is averaging 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game.

Gary Trent Jr. Fri Nov 8 6:20pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (back) won't play in Friday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old began the season in the starting lineup. However, he's struggled this season, resulting in a demotion to the bench in favor of Andre Jackson Jr., who had seven points, four assists, and four steals in Thursday's win over the Utah Jazz. With that said, Trent wouldn't have been featured in most fantasy lineups, so his absence on Friday won't be much of a blow to managers.

Zion Williamson Fri Nov 8 6:10pm

According to Orlando Magic beat writer Adam Koffler, New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green announced that power forward Zion Williamson will not play in Friday's game against Orlando because of tightness in his left hamstring. The 24-year-old attempted to participate in the game on Wednesday but temporarily left due to an unspecified injury; however, he managed to complete the game. With Williamson unavailable, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Daniel Theis are expected to receive more minutes on the court.

T.J. McConnell Fri Nov 8 6:00pm

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (illness) won't play in Friday's matchup with the Hornets. The veteran was listed as questionable. But an illness will keep him off the floor against Charlotte. McConnell isn't a consistent fantasy producer, considering he has averaged 9.8 points and 4.1 assists this season. However, his absence could mean more work for Ben Sheppard, who will likely draw value attention from DFS managers on Friday evening.

Devin Booker Fri Nov 8 5:50pm

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) is now questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks. He's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will anxiously await an update regarding his availability. If Booker can't play, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (elbow) are the favorites to pick up the slack on the scoring end. At the same time, Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones could exceed expectations if Booker can't get on the floor.

Luke Kornet Fri Nov 8 5:50pm

Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (hamstring) won't play on Friday versus the Nets. With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) sidelined, Kornet has been getting some work from off the bench for the C's. However, he injured his hamstring in Wednesday's matchup with the Warriors and will now miss his first contest of the 2024-25 campaign. Al Horford will handle things in the middle. But there's room for Xavier Tillman Sr. to get more involved, although fantasy managers will be taking a risk by putting him in the starting lineup.

Goga Bitadze Fri Nov 8 5:40pm

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze will start in Friday's game versus the Pelicans. With Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) out again, Bitadze will remain with the first five. The 25-year-old has played well in his two starts this season, averaging 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals. While Bitadze's free-throw shooting could use some work, he remains a practical streaming option for fantasy managers against a New Orleans team plagued by injuries.

Jalen Duren Fri Nov 8 5:30pm

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) won't play in Friday's meeting with the visiting Hawks. He tweaked his ankle in Wednesday's one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets, limiting him to just eight minutes of work. Isaiah Stewart got more involved, finishing with seven boards, six assists, one steal, and one block. Duren's next chance to get on the floor will be on Sunday versus Houston. In the meantime, Stewart is worth streaming in any fantasy format, and he'll likely draw value attention from DFS participants. In addition, Paul Reed, who had 13 points in 12 minutes versus Charlotte, should be viewed as a risky, high-upside option.

Aaron Nesmith Fri Nov 8 5:20pm

According to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star, Indiana Pacers forwardAaron Nesmith(ankle) will miss his third consecutive contest on Friday against Charlotte due to a sprained left ankle.Nesmith suffered the injury during the Pacers' loss to the Pelicans one week ago and has been wearing a walking boot since. During the 25-year-old's absence, second-year players Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker have seen an uptick in minutes on the court.

Kevin Love Fri Nov 8 4:50pm

According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami Heat forward/centerKevin Love(conditioning) will not be available for Friday's contest against the Denver Nuggets. Love hasn't played in a game this season for personal reasons. He appears close to playing form and could make his season debut versus the Timberwolves on Sunday. Thomas Bryant and Haywood Highsmithhave taken more prominent roles in rotation during Love's absence.

T.J. McConnell Fri Nov 8 3:50pm

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (illness) picked up a questionable tag heading into their Friday night matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. The backup point guard is dealing with an illness, so it will likely be a game-time decision based on how he's feeling. Since Andrew Nembhard (knee) is considered probable, he'll see some extra minutes while Bennedict Mathurin and Ben Sheppard should see more opportunities as well.

Andrew Nembhard Fri Nov 8 3:50pm

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) has been listed as probable ahead of the Friday night game against the Charlotte Hornets. Despite dealing with a sore knee, Nembhard has been able to start and play north of 28 minutes in each of the last two games. He'll likely continue in the same role and may even take on some extra minutes if T.J. McConnell (illness) is unable to suit up. Nembhard hasn't been much of a contributor points-wise, but his assist and steal numbers are suitable for deeper leagues.


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