The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a great start in the preseason, defeating the Sacramento Kings, 127-103.

The Lakers went with a starting lineup of Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Kevon Looney. Two of those five could be starters once the season starts, but only Doncic has a guaranteed spot among that group.

The Lakers were led by Doncic in scoring as the superstar poured in 21 points on 5-for-12 shooting and 3-for-9 from three.

Grimes and Williams were also in double figures for the starters, with Grimes finishing with 16 points and Williams contributing 13 points, including 3-for-3 from three.

The Lakers have a number of options on the wing with Williams, Thybulle, Grimes, Thiero, and more looking to make their presence felt and earn a spot in the rotation. Cameron Carr doesn’t have the experience that everyone else on the team has as a rookie drafted with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 draft, but he had an impressive Summer League and looked like e belonged during the first preseason game.

Carr went 7-for-13 from the field and 3-for-7 from three while also adding three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Carr could end up playing big minutes off the bench for the Lakers if he keeps up performances like this.

It’s no secret that Knecht is viewed as the odd man out, as the Lakers need to cut one player to get down to the roster maximum of 15 players.

Knecht played 12 minutes and missed his only shot, going 0-for-1 from three. He did have two rebounds and one assist, and had a net rating of +6.5, but he’s under a microscope, and every mistake is going to be highly scrutinized given his place on the team.

Jarred Vanderbilt, who is rumored to be traded as a potential roster cut, struggled even worse, finishing with a -14.2 net rating, but being a veteran goes a long way in securing a roster spot.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has said that two starting spots are up for grabs next to Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler.

The Lakers have options on the wing, and Grimes was already viewed as a frontrunner, but he strengthened his case on Monday with a strong performance playing alongside Doncic. With his three-and-D ability, the starting spot is his to lose.