A lack of [LeBron James](https://lakeshowlife.com/los-angeles-lakers-news/lebron-james/) complicates things for the Los Angeles Lakers, who now have a superstar-shaped hole in their starting lineup to begin the 2025-26 season. Thus, now is the time for experimentation from head coach JJ Redick, as the Lakers don't have an obvious starting lineup to trot out.
Does Jared Vanderbilt take over LeBron's starting spot and serve as a defensive forcefield for the offensive-minded Doncic - Reaves backcourt? Does Marcus Smart get the nod, causing the Lakers to run a three-guard lineup but bring some catch-and-shoot upside? Is a bigger wing combo of Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia in the cards?
We might not know these answers until opening night when the Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors in a matchup that loses a little luster without LeBron. We haven't gotten many answers in the preseason, as the Lakers haven't played a game yet with their whole team; but Vanderbilt has started each preseason game, and LaRavia came off the bench in the most recent game, so do with that what you will.
Projected Lakers starting lineup on opening night without LeBron James
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If you held me down and forced me to predict the Lakers starting five on opening night, I would ask why you're doing such a thing — but I would guess that Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton will be the first five we see later this month. I think Redick will start with size — Vanderbilt and Hachimura are both 6-foot-8, and it will be key to have that size on the wings to offset defensive deficiencies the backcourt provides.
I also don't think that's the only starting lineup we're going to see with LeBron on the sideline throughout the year. My gut tells me Marcus Smart could sneak into the first five at some point (assuming the Lakers are as careful with LeBron this year as they're expected to be and he sits out numerous games).
Jarred Vanderbilt should look like a totally different player when healthy
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Vando's career with the Lakers has been very start-stop, so seeing him enter a season fully healthy — as he seems to be right now — will be a wonderful change of pace for Lakers fans. He's not merely a good defender; when healthy, Vanderbilt is one of the most disruptive defenders in basketball.
He doesn't bring much on the offensive end, but with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as his running mates in the Lakers (likely) starting lineup, he won't have to, and that's probably why he'll be tabbed as the Lakers fifth starter while LeBron gets healthy.