The Los Angeles Lakers have done an incredible job of improving their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. However, with these additions, head coach JJ Redick will have a tough task figuring out a starting lineup for the upcoming season.
For what it’s worth, it should be clear that LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Deandre Ayton are pretty much locked in for three spots.
Jovan Buha names five candidates for the LA Lakers’ two starting spots
With the point guard, small forward, and center positions settled, it only leaves the shooting guard and power forward positions up for grabs. Keeping that in mind, NBA expert Jovan Buha recently shared his honest thoughts on the same. He believes the Lakers have five contenders for the final two spots in the starting lineup.
“I see five candidates for the final two spots. I see Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent. But really, I think it comes down to Austin, Rui, and Marcus,” Buha said. To be fair, it would be unfair to Reaves to come off the bench after having a career year last season. Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game for the team.
Buha is aware as he added: “So really it comes down to Marcus Smart vs Rui Hachimura. But going back to the facts with the starters, Marcus Smart is a point-of-attack defender and could also slide up and defend 3s and even some 4s, whereas Rui is primarily a 4 defensively.
“He can guard some 3s, but you’re really taxing him if you’re putting him on 2s and 1s.”
Jovan Buha urges LA Lakers to choose Rui Hachimura over Marcus Smart
As explained earlier, Smart is undoubtedly a better defender than Hachimura, but the latter is an overall better player. Thus, picking between Smart and Hachimura has been a tiring debate.
“I actually think he’s a better player than Marcus Smart currently. Despite that, I think Rui should come off the bench, be the sixth man, and have Marcus and Austin as the primary backcourt guys,” he stated.
In this scenario, Doncic will become the small forward while James will be moved to the power forward position.At the end of the day, this will balance out the Lakers’ defense and offense on the court, while Hachimura adds a spark to the team off the bench.
