The NBA season is set to kick off on October 21, and with it comes the tradition of 30 previews in 30 days. Each year, we closely examine every team in the league, looking at offseason moves, rosters, projections, and predictions. Today, we focus on the Los Angeles Lakers.
What Happened Last Season
- The 2024-25 performance of the Los Angeles Lakers
Last season was unforgettable for the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James made history by playing alongside his son, Bronny, and J.J. Redick started his coaching career with the team. Most notably, a shocking trade sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, marking one of the most significant moments in NBA history.
The arrival of the Slovenian superstar in early February transformed the dynamic in Los Angeles. A new era began, with LeBron, now over 40, continuing to perform at an impressive 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game with an elite “All-NBA” defense. With Austin Reaves stepping up, Redick successfully assembled a formidable trio, leading the Lakers to 50 regular-season wins and a playoff spot.
However, Anthony Davis’s absence left a significant gap in the Lakers’ lineup. They made an unsuccessful bid to acquire Mark Williams, resulting in Jaxson Hayes as their primary center. This proved to be a critical weakness as the playoffs approached.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers faced a tough defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-1), who overpowered them physically. Despite finding success with small-ball lineups during the regular season and maintaining strong defense sans Davis, their vulnerabilities were exposed. Redick experimented with various lineups, resulting in exhaustion among starters, while Luka struggled to find his rhythm, and LeBron ended the season with a knee injury.
In summary, the season was a rollercoaster ride, typical of the Lakers’ unpredictable nature.
Summer Offseason Moves
- Departures: Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton, Markieff Morris, Alex Len, Jordan Goodwin, Trey Jemison
- Extensions: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko (two-way), J.J. Redick (coach)
- Additions: Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, Chris Manon (two-way), Nick Smith Jr. (two-way)
A primary focus this summer was securing Luka Doncic’s contract extension, finalized in early August for three years and $165 million. Meanwhile, LeBron James opted into his player option worth $52 million to continue playing in Los Angeles, amidst rumors of discontent regarding a potential new deal, prompting a strong response from his agent, Rich Paul.
Additionally, bolstering their frontcourt was crucial for the Lakers. They took advantage of Deandre Ayton’s contentious relationship with the Portland Trail Blazers to sign the 27-year-old center for two years and $16.6 million. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko will remain as bench options.
Among other noteworthy transactions, Marcus Smart—a former Defensive Player of the Year with the Boston Celtics—joins the team, while Jake LaRavia arrives with a modest two-year, $12 million contract. Adou Thiero, a second-round draft pick, will take on rookie responsibilities. The departure of Dorian Finney-Smith, now with the Houston Rockets, will be felt due to his 3&D skills and defensive versatility.
In the background, J.J. Redick’s contract was extended after just one season on the bench. Notably, the Lakers were sold in July, losing their status as the primary owners of the famed franchise, a shift to Mark Walter, signaling the dawn of a new era.
2025-26 Lakers Roster
- Point Guards: Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent
- Shooting Guards: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Nick Smith Jr. (two-way), Chris Manon (two-way)
- Small Forwards: LeBron James, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero
- Power Forwards: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Anton Watson
- Centers: Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko (two-way)
Bolded names are projected starters based on credible sources.
How will the Lakers look in Luka Doncic’s first full season in Los Angeles? Speculation suggests a starting lineup featuring Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and potentially Rui Hachimura or newly-acquired Marcus Smart to strengthen their defense. Redick has yet to finalize his decision on the starting five.
The trio of Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves is expected to form the core offensive unit, with Ayton tasked with filling the void left by Davis. Can he be the complementary center that Los Angeles is seeking? As Ayton described, it’s “the biggest opportunity of his career,” and he must seize it.
Depending on the final starter, the bench could feature Smart or Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes—an average unit but with diverse and experienced profiles that can contribute off the bench. Maxi Kleber could rejoin this mix after recovering from an injury sustained last season.
Dalton Knecht and Bronny James will bring a youthful spark to the team, and it remains to be seen what they can contribute. Knecht has already demonstrated his shooting prowess from beyond the arc during a rookie season of ups and downs, while Bronny seeks to confirm his growth shown in the Summer League.
Key Players to Watch
Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are players to keep an eye on.
Known for his triple-doubles and high-scoring games, Luka Doncic remains a premium pick in fantasy leagues, assuming he stays healthy. LeBron James continues to be a statistical powerhouse, even at 41, although the “King” might be rested, impacting his average. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves has shown he can deliver impressive performances (averaging 20 points and 6 assists last season), particularly when Doncic and/or LeBron are absent.
What to Expect from the Lakers This Season
This season brings many intriguing storylines for Los Angeles: will Luka Doncic, in great form, play at an MVP level in his new jersey? How will LeBron fare in what could be his final year? Will Deandre Ayton emerge as a dominant force, or frustrate Lakers fans? Can Austin Reaves solidify his place and earn a lucrative extension?
Ideally, the Lakers capitalize on the momentum generated after Doncic’s acquisition while addressing their weaknesses through offseason adjustments. While they may not challenge a powerhouse like the Thunder, there is a scenario where these Lakers could surpass 50 wins and enter the playoffs with a more balanced roster—especially with Luka and LeBron leading the way.
In a less favorable outcome, the Lakers could face turmoil impacting team performance. Given the history of drama in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to monitor how LeBron is utilized in Year 23, Ayton’s temperament, Smart’s volatility, and Doncic’s fitness. Coupled with potential injuries and inevitable trade rumors, anything can happen.
The Lakers’ declared goal is clear: an 18th NBA title, considered an obsession in the City of Angels. However, expect the unexpected, as is often the case in Hollywood.
Predicted Record: 50 Wins – 32 Losses
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
