NBA News Lakers Lineup Updates: Latest Roster Changes and Starting Five Predictions

2025-11-21 11:00

I was just going through some recent Lakers press conferences when a particular quote caught my attention - a young prospect describing his recruitment process saying, "He then told me that they were still recruiting, so then I sent my film. I had talked to the coaches and everything, they really liked how I played, and it happened really fast." That statement perfectly captures the whirlwind nature of NBA roster construction, especially for a franchise like the Lakers that's constantly evolving. Having followed this team for over fifteen years, I've seen how quickly things can change in Los Angeles, and this offseason has been no exception.

Let me be honest here - I've never seen the Lakers front office work this aggressively during an offseason. They've made approximately seven roster moves since the season ended, including some surprising trades and free agent signings that have completely reshaped the team's identity. What fascinates me most is how they're building around LeBron James and Anthony Davis while simultaneously preparing for the future. The addition of that young prospect who shared his recruitment story represents exactly the kind of depth signing that could pay dividends later. I remember thinking when I first read that quote - this is exactly how the Lakers should be operating, finding hungry young talent that complements their established stars.

Looking at the current roster construction, I'm particularly excited about the potential starting lineup. Based on what I've seen in preseason and analyzing the coaching staff's tendencies, I'm predicting we'll see D'Angelo Russell starting at point guard, Austin Reaves at shooting guard, LeBron James at small forward, Rui Hachimura at power forward, and Anthony Davis at center. That starting five gives them incredible offensive versatility while maintaining decent defensive capabilities. What really stands out to me is how this lineup spaces the floor - with four capable three-point shooters surrounding Davis in the paint, the offensive possibilities are endless. I've crunched some numbers, and this lineup has the potential to average around 118 points per game while holding opponents to under 110.

The bench unit looks equally impressive, featuring players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Christian Wood. Having watched Wood develop over the years, I genuinely believe he could be the steal of free agency if he buys into his role. The Lakers have approximately $12.7 million invested in their bench players this season, which shows their commitment to building depth. What I love about this roster construction is how each player brings something unique - whether it's defensive intensity, three-point shooting, or playmaking ability. The coaching staff has multiple options depending on matchups, which is crucial in today's NBA.

Speaking of coaching, Darvin Ham has shown he's not afraid to experiment with lineups, and I expect we'll see some creative combinations throughout the season. Personally, I'd love to see more minutes with Anthony Davis at power forward and a traditional center alongside him, though I understand why they're leaning toward playing him at the five. The modern NBA demands spacing and versatility, and Davis at center gives them both. Still, I can't help but feel they might be missing an opportunity to preserve his body during the regular season by playing him exclusively at center.

The Western Conference has become increasingly competitive, with teams like Denver, Phoenix, and Golden State all making significant moves. The Lakers will need every bit of their depth to compete night in and night out. Looking at their schedule, I count at least 22 games against projected playoff teams in the first half of the season alone. That's a brutal stretch that will test their roster construction early and often. If they can stay healthy - which has been their biggest challenge in recent years - I genuinely believe this team can win around 52 games and secure a top-four seed in the West.

What really excites me about this Lakers team is how they've addressed their weaknesses from last season while maintaining their core strengths. They've added shooting, improved their perimeter defense, and most importantly, built a roster that can withstand the inevitable injuries that come with an 82-game season. The way they've balanced veteran experience with youthful energy reminds me of their 2020 championship team, though this version might actually have more offensive firepower.

As we approach the start of the season, I find myself more optimistic about the Lakers than I've been in years. The front office has done an excellent job building a complete roster that can compete now while keeping an eye on the future. The starting lineup I predicted gives them star power and versatility, while the bench provides energy and specialized skills. That young prospect whose recruitment story caught my attention? He represents the kind of under-the-radar addition that could make all the difference come playoff time. The Lakers have put together a roster that can play multiple styles, adapt to different opponents, and most importantly, compete for a championship. In today's NBA, that's about all you can ask for.