How the Los Angeles Lakers’ new starting five will look for the 2025-26 season
The Lakers continue to make adjustments to their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season, hoping to remain a leading player in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers are assembling their roster for the start of the NBA season, aiming for greater prominence after finishing third in the Western Conference last year with a 50–32 record. Their playoff run, however, ended early in the first round following elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The team’s latest addition is Marcus Smart, who reached a contract termination agreement with the Washington Wizards before signing a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers. According to reports, Luka Doncic played a key role in recruiting Smart, personally contacting him to help convince him to join the team.
Before Smart’s arrival, the Lakers waived point guard Shake Milton, who would have been guaranteed $3 million for next season had he remained on the roster.
OFFICIAL: He’s a Laker 💜 pic.twitter.com/QuKOPn3s1k
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 22, 2025
The Lakers’ offseason moves began with the signing of Jake LaRavia, who joined from the Sacramento Kings on a two-year, $12 million contract. Their second major acquisition was Deandre Ayton, who arrived from the Portland Trail Blazers with a deal worth $34 million.
Additionally, Jaxson Hayes is returning to the Lakers after becoming a free agent at the end of last season. The center signed a one-year, $3 million contract to remain in Los Angeles.
On the other hand, the Lakers’ first significant loss in free agency was Dorian Finney-Smith, who agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets.
Here’s what the Lakers’ roster currently looks like by position, including their new additions:
PG: Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Bronny James SG: Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht SF: Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero PF: LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt C: Deandre Ayton, Maxi Kleber, Trey Jemison III, Christian Koloko, Jaxson Hayes
Based on their current roster, the Lakers’ projected starting five for next season would likely be:
- Luka Doncic
- Austin Reaves
- LeBron James
- Rui Hachimura
- Deandre Ayton
The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, sources tell ESPN. Milton's $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today. Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2025
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