Lakers’ Next Decision Is Painfully Obvious \u2014 But Are They Done?<\/h2>\nWho Fits in the Starting Five?<\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/07\/USATSI_25727688_168415934_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
Mar 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23), guard Luka Doncic (77), and guard Austin Reaves (15) on the sidelines against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe first question is painfully obvious \u2014 who starts? On close inspection, only five Lakers fit what JJ Redick wants for his starting five.<\/p>\n
So who starts? LeBron James<\/a>, Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a>, Austin Reaves<\/a>, Rui Hachimura<\/a>, and Ayton.<\/p>\nThe Lakers finished third in the West despite starting Jaxson Hayes<\/a> for 35 games last season. They upgraded the center spot by adding Ayton. He averages 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds for his career.<\/p>\nAyton isn\u2019t an elite rim protector but he\u2019s solid. He finished in the 79th percentile in rim defense last year. He also cleans up defensive stops at an elite rate \u2014 93rd percentile.<\/p>\n
Luka in \u201cChampionship Shape\u201d<\/h3>\n
Ayton\u2019s best year came playing next to Chris Paul<\/a> in 2021-22. Now, Luka will be his best table-setter since then. Luka has embraced Redick\u2019s demand to be in \u201cchampionship shape<\/a>.\u201d Social media shows him slimmer. He will play EuroBasket and always performs better after playing for Slovenia.<\/p>\nLuka averaged 33.9 points just 13 months ago and led his team to the NBA Finals. He will now have a full camp and, if healthy, could return with a medal for Hollywood.<\/p>\n
Players on a Restricted Timeline Will Elevate<\/h3>\n
For better or worse, the Lakers see LeBron as an “expiring contract.” Through Rich Paul, LeBron responded to that assessment<\/a> by reaffirming his intention to compete for championships. With this roster, LeBron has his best shot at doing that since the 2020 banner.<\/p>\nReaves enters a contract year and wants to build on last season\u2019s 20.2 ppg. Hachimura, standing 6\u20198\u201d with a 7\u20192\u201d wingspan, has shot 40.2% from three for the Lakers over 160 games. He is the prototypical 3-and-D wing.<\/p>\n
Hachimura\u2019s lineups outscored opponents well enough that, over 59 games, they would win 13<\/a> more games than lineups without him. Safe to say, he’s an important part of the Lakers starting five. He\u2019s on an expiring deal, so he\u2019s motivated to earn his next payday.<\/p>\nBench Needs Smart\u2019s Spark<\/h3>\n
The Lakers hope Smart and LaRavia spark a bench that ranked second-worst in points last season. The Lakers will waive Shake Milton<\/a> to make room for Smart. So, don\u2019t expect more signings unless they make a trade.<\/p>\nAre the Lakers Really Done?<\/h3>\n
For now, the Lakers seem done. They will test this roster and watch the market for an opportunity. They still hold plenty of expiring deals and tradeable contracts if they need to pivot later.<\/p>\n
Not a lot of people outside Los Angeles are willing to say it but the Lakers are contenders in the West.<\/p>\n
The first question is painfully obvious \u2014 who starts? On close inspection, only five Lakers fit what JJ Redick wants for his starting five.<\/p>\n
So who starts? LeBron James<\/a>, Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a>, Austin Reaves<\/a>, Rui Hachimura<\/a>, and Ayton.<\/p>\n The Lakers finished third in the West despite starting Jaxson Hayes<\/a> for 35 games last season. They upgraded the center spot by adding Ayton. He averages 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds for his career.<\/p>\n Ayton isn\u2019t an elite rim protector but he\u2019s solid. He finished in the 79th percentile in rim defense last year. He also cleans up defensive stops at an elite rate \u2014 93rd percentile.<\/p>\n Ayton\u2019s best year came playing next to Chris Paul<\/a> in 2021-22. Now, Luka will be his best table-setter since then. Luka has embraced Redick\u2019s demand to be in \u201cchampionship shape<\/a>.\u201d Social media shows him slimmer. He will play EuroBasket and always performs better after playing for Slovenia.<\/p>\n Luka averaged 33.9 points just 13 months ago and led his team to the NBA Finals. He will now have a full camp and, if healthy, could return with a medal for Hollywood.<\/p>\n For better or worse, the Lakers see LeBron as an “expiring contract.” Through Rich Paul, LeBron responded to that assessment<\/a> by reaffirming his intention to compete for championships. With this roster, LeBron has his best shot at doing that since the 2020 banner.<\/p>\n Reaves enters a contract year and wants to build on last season\u2019s 20.2 ppg. Hachimura, standing 6\u20198\u201d with a 7\u20192\u201d wingspan, has shot 40.2% from three for the Lakers over 160 games. He is the prototypical 3-and-D wing.<\/p>\n Hachimura\u2019s lineups outscored opponents well enough that, over 59 games, they would win 13<\/a> more games than lineups without him. Safe to say, he’s an important part of the Lakers starting five. He\u2019s on an expiring deal, so he\u2019s motivated to earn his next payday.<\/p>\n The Lakers hope Smart and LaRavia spark a bench that ranked second-worst in points last season. The Lakers will waive Shake Milton<\/a> to make room for Smart. So, don\u2019t expect more signings unless they make a trade.<\/p>\n For now, the Lakers seem done. They will test this roster and watch the market for an opportunity. They still hold plenty of expiring deals and tradeable contracts if they need to pivot later.<\/p>\n Not a lot of people outside Los Angeles are willing to say it but the Lakers are contenders in the West.<\/p>\nLuka in \u201cChampionship Shape\u201d<\/h3>\n
Players on a Restricted Timeline Will Elevate<\/h3>\n
Bench Needs Smart\u2019s Spark<\/h3>\n
Are the Lakers Really Done?<\/h3>\n