It's a critical summer for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the moves they make over the next few weeks could very well determine their trajectory for many seasons to come. With LeBron James in the final year of his contract and Luka Doncic still fresh off his arrival from Dallas, pressure is mounting for the Lakers, and they've responded with several moves meant to increase their title odds.
Fresh off their latest signing, Lakers fans have a better idea of what their starting lineup might be for the 2025-26 season, and any new additions will likely be minor with limited cap flexibility remaining. As it stands, here is the Lakers' projected starting five:
Point Guard: Luka Doncic
Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
Small Forward: Rui Hachimura
Power Forward: LeBron James
Center: Deandre Ayton
On social media, Lakers fans had mixed feelings about this lineup, but most expressed optimism about their potential for success.
"To the people saying that this team can’t be contenders you have three players to average 20 plus AR and Luka were 1 out of the 3 duos to average 20 together in the backcourt two all nba caliber players a good role player as in Rui most likely gonna get another center," wrote one Lakers fan.
For some, calling the Lakers a contender isn't accurate when teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Spurs all threaten to be better next season. While Ayton was a good addition, will he really be enough to get them over the edge?
"Sorry, but are we really going to say that the key to a Lakers title was Deandre Ayton?They’re not a top 6 team in the west, sorry. Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, Wolves, Clippers, and Spurs all clear," argued one fan on X.
As some fans pointed out, the roster still has some major issues, most notably off the bench, where they lack the proper depth of a championship team.
"They still have no bench, they still suck on D, they still have too few 3&D guys. They can be happy when they avoid the play-in," one fan posted.
One X user argued the Lakers are a "Dark horse" candidate next season if they can just get Ayton to lock in and play up to his full potential.
"Dark horse candidate," read one post on the Lakers. "It'll all come down to whether they can get Ayton to finally act mature and buy into what it takes to become and remain disciplined."
Only time will tell if the Lakers can be competitive next season, but they have enough reasons to believe in their chances with the new additions and head coach JJ Redick.
"They still need other signings. The defense is not good if this is the starting 5. Still work to do honestly but looks like a 4th seed to me," wrote one fan in review of the Lakers.
Starting with the backcourt, Luka Doncic is going to lead the show, and it's no secret that the Lakers are his team now. Since the blockbuster trade in February, Doncic has been at the center of everything they do, and he's going to be commanding the offense with full authority. With averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game on 43.8% shooting last season, he's set to continue his reign as one of the best players in the world, and he's sure to have the Lakers squarely in the playoff mix.
At his side will be Austin Reaves, the Lakers' trusted shooting guard. The former undrafted prospect has emerged as a major rotation player for Los Angeles, and his presence will be important to help stretch the floor for Luka and provide instant offense whenever it's needed.
If that's not enough, the Lakers can also lean on Rui Hachimura. He was their starting small forward last season (between him and Dorian Finney-Smith), and his combination of size and skills will provide a major boost on the wing. In 59 games last season, Rui averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 50.9% shooting.
At power forward, LeBron James will be carrying a heavy load for the Lakers. As one of their premium scorers and playmakers, he's involved in everything on the court, and his leadership will be key for the Lakers to bring everyone together and maximize the talent of the roster. At 40 years old, the end is near for King James, but it's clear he can still contribute at a high level after dropping 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season.
Finally, at center, the Lakers will enjoy having DeAndre Ayton under the rim. While he wasn't the Lakers' first choice, his game and status as a former No. 1 pick were enough to sell them on his potential fit for the team. He'll bring a boost on defense, rebounding, and interior scoring for Los Angeles. Most importantly, it gives Luka Doncic a big man to catch his lobs for easy points.
Off the bench is where things get hairy for the Lakers, but they have guys like Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Shake Milton to help hold down the fort. They also have their young players, such as Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.
Rob Pelinka may not be done making moves this summer, but even if they stopped now, many Lakers fans are happy with the team they have. With two superstars, solid role-players, and a talented center in the middle, the Lakers have a chance to make some serious noise if they can stay healthy and develop their chemistry together.
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