How the Lakers’ starting five could look with the arrival of Marcus Smart

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to make adjustments to their roster ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. After finishing third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record last year during the regular phase, their season came to an abrupt ending being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.

Lakers’ NBA trade moves

Over the past 24 hours, it has been confirmed that Marcus Smart has agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards and will join the Lakers once he clears waivers, according to NBA expert Shams Charania. According to the report, the 31-year-old point guard will sign a two-year contract for $11 million.

Luka Doncic was apparently a key figure in Smart’s decision to join the California based team, as the Slovenian reportedly contacted him personally to convince him to move to LA.

It was also reported that the team has released point guard Shake Milton, as if he remains on the roster, Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would be fully guaranteed.

The Lakers’ activity in acquiring new players began with the arrival of Jake LaRavia as a free agent with the power-forward moving from the Sacramento Kings signing a two-year, $12 million contract.

The second off-season signing had was Deandre Ayton, who arrived from the Portland Trail Blazers, with a contract that will see him earn $34 million.

25-year-old Jaxson Hayes was as a free agent at the end of last season and secured a one-year contract and rejoined the Lakers after playing 35 regular season games for the team in 2025.

With a series of incoming new talent, Dorian Finney-Smith, made for the exit door as he reached an agreement with the Houston Rockets moving to Texas on a 4-year contract for $53 million.

How the Lakers’ starting five could next season.

With the new season looming on the horizon, the Lakers have been busy bringing in new players and have a strong roster with a series of players able to cover every position.

• PG: Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Bronny James
• SG: Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht
• PF: LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt
• SF: Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero
• C: Deandre Ayton, Maxi Kleber, Trey Jemison III, Christian Koloko, Jaxson Hayes

With a strong potential starting five available next season featuring:

1. Luka Doncic
2. Austin Reaves
3. LeBron James
4. Rui Hachimura
5. Deandre Ayton

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