What Does the Los Angeles Lakers' Starting Lineup Look Like?
When fully healthy, the Lakers’ starting five usually looks something like this:
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| Point Guard | Luka Doncic |
| Shooting Guard | Austin Reaves |
| Small Forward | Rui Hachimura |
| Power Forward | LeBron James |
| Center | Deandrea Ayton |
Point Guard: Luka Doncic
The basketball world shook when the Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić last season, and the move has proven to be a perfect fit. Doncic finished the regular season averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He’s off to an exceptional start this season and is a key reason the Lakers remain a top team despite injuries to other players. Doncic currently holds the shortest odds to win MVP.
Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves is finally a full-time NBA starter and has proven he belongs, ranking third on the Lakers last season with a career-best 20.2 points per game. He’s off to an excellent start this season, boosting both his scoring and playmaking while stepping into a major role for Los Angeles amid injuries to other star players.
Small Forward: Rui Hachimura
Hachimura has earned his spot in the starting rotation and proven to be a valuable member of this roster, going off for over 20 points in several games last season. The Lakers love relying on him for a dagger from the corner on the right side of the floor, and his size gives him an advantage over opponents. However, he must be consistent and hit his shots.
Power Forward: LeBron James
LeBron James is back from injury, and his return immediately strengthens the Lakers’ starting five. A four-time NBA champion, he brings a proven history of leading teams deep into the postseason, setting the tone with his experience and leadership. His presence is especially valuable for the younger players, helping them handle high-pressure moments. At 6'9", he adds size and power as a downhill threat, something the Lakers’ starting lineup had been missing.
Center: Deandre Ayton
Starting at center, Deandre Ayton gives the Lakers a dominant presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. He combines elite scoring efficiency with strong pick-and-roll finishing and playmaking, providing the team with a reliable offensive anchor. Ayton’s size and skill also bolster the Lakers’ defense, marking a significant upgrade over the team’s previous center rotation.
Who is on the Los Angeles Lakers Bench?
| Position | 2nd String | 3rd String | 4th String |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Guard | Gabe Vincent | Bronny James | Nick Smith Jr. |
| Shooting Guard | Marcus Smart | Dalton Knecht | Gabe Vincent |
| Small Forward | Jake LaRavia | Dalton Knecht | Marcus Smart |
| Power Forward | Maxi Kleber | Jarred Vanderbilt | Jake LaRavia |
| Center | Jaxson Hayes | Maxi Kleber | Drew Timme |
Beyond their All-Star starting five, the Lakers have a deep roster loaded with capable players who can step up when injuries hit, keeping the team competitive throughout the season.
Who Is the Lakers’ 6th Man?
Jake LaRavia is emerging as the Lakers’ sixth man this season. His versatility, defensive intensity, and efficient scoring make him a key “glue guy” off the bench. With strong passing, floor-spacing ability, and the capacity to guard multiple positions, LaRavia provides valuable depth and keeps the team competitive when the starters rest. His odds at DraftKings California Sportsbook sit at +6000, or a 1.6% chance.
Get to Know the Los Angeles Lakers Front Office
| Position | Staff Member |
| General Manager | Rob Pelinka |
| Head Coach | JJ Reddick |
Who Is the Lakers' Head Coach?
JJ Redick is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, having been hired in June 2024. Now in his second season, Redick brings a sharp basketball mind and a player-first approach to Los Angeles, emphasizing pace, spacing, and player development. Known for his NBA experience and deep understanding of modern offensive schemes, he has quickly earned the trust of the locker room and is focused on maximizing the talent of stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Who Is the Lakers’ General Manager?
Rob Pelinka was one of the top agents in the NBA, representing the likes of Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Carlos Boozer, Buddy Hield, and Kevin Durant before ditching that business in 2017 when he was offered the top executive job with the Lakers in a power shakeup that took out Magic Johnson, Jim Buss, and Mitch Kupchak as the top decision makers. Pelinka played college basketball for the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the "Fab Five" team that included Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, and Juwan Howard.
Los Angeles Lakers FAQs
Mark Walter became the Lakers’ majority owner on October 30, 2025, after the NBA approved his historic $10 billion purchase from the Buss family. The move gave Walter controlling interest and ended the Buss era that had guided the franchise for more than four decades.
Jeanie Buss is the current president of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although Mark Walter recently acquired the team’s majority ownership, Buss will stay on to lead the franchise for the foreseeable future. Her continued leadership ensures continuity for the Lakers as they navigate roster changes and aim to compete at the highest level in the Western Conference.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, George Mikan, Karl Malone, Pau Gasol, Gary Payton, and Steve Nash are among the many legendary players who have worn the purple and gold, with several winning multiple championships.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ current starting lineup features Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. It’s a balanced group built around Dončić’s playmaking, Reaves’ steady two-way game, LeBron’s leadership, Hachimura’s versatility, and Ayton’s interior presence.
So far this season, Luka Dončić is leading the Los Angeles Lakers in scoring, putting up an impressive 35.2 points per game. Right behind him, Austin Reaves is the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 27.9 points per game.
Author
Robert B. Hayek has been writing about sports for over a decade and is currently a member of the Gambling.com Group team. In his spare time, he runs the largest sports meetup group in Orange County, CA, actively participating in every sport imaginable. He is also a published author of five thriller novels, all available on Amazon.
