Los Angeles needs defense around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, making Jake LaRavia the strongest option to complete its new-look starting five.
The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2026-27 season with a starting lineup constructed around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes appear positioned to fill two of the remaining spots. The biggest question is at power forward, where coach JJ Redick must decide between additional shooting and much-needed defensive versatility.
Sandro Mamukelashvili could receive consideration because of his offensive skill set, but Jake LaRavia offers the more balanced fit. If LaRavia cannot provide the necessary defense, Jarred Vanderbilt represents another logical option.
Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward/guardLukaDoncic (77) talks to Head Coach JJRedickagainst the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesDončić and Reaves control the offense
Point guard: Luka Dončić (obviously)
Dončić will enter the season as the unquestioned centerpiece of the Lakers’ organization in the official new era of The Don.
The five-time All-NBA Dončić will control the offense as its leading scorer and playmaker. Los Angeles has attempted to complement him with shooting, athleticism and a true pick-and-roll center.
Dončić will also be motivated to an MVP level after a hamstring injury kept him out of the Lakers’ playoff run last season.
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guardLukaDoncic (77) points to guard AustinReaves(15) during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesShooting guard: Austin Reaves
Reaves secured his place beside Dončić by signing a four-year, $185 million contract.
He averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season, establishing himself as a legitimate second option. Reaves can initiate the offense when Dončić rests or when opponents force the ball out of his hands.
Although the pairing gives L.A. two elite offensive creators, neither guard should consistently receive the toughest perimeter assignment. That makes the other three starting positions especially important defensively.
Small forward: Quentin Grimes
Grimes should become the Lakers’ primary point-of-attack defender.
The 6-foot-5 wing can guard several perimeter positions and provides the catch-and-shoot ability required next to Dončić and Reaves. Grimes connected on 38.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season.
His previous experience playing with Dončić in Dallas should also help him settle into Redick’s system.
LaRavia provides needed balance
Jan 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guardLukaDoncic (77) and forward JakeLaRavia(12) react against the Charlotte Hornets in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesPower forward: Jake LaRavia
LaRavia should receive the first opportunity to start because the Lakers need another versatile defender more than they need another offense-first player.
He provides size on the wing, can switch across multiple positions and does not require the ball to make an impact. LaRavia can cut, space the floor and attack closeouts while taking on difficult defensive assignments.
Starting Mamukelashvili would improve L.A.’s shooting, but it could also leave Grimes as the only dependable perimeter defender in the lineup. That would place too much responsibility on one player.
Vanderbilt should remain a serious alternative. He is arguably the best and most versatile defender on the roster, but his limited shooting can make it easier for opponents to crowd Dončić. If LaRavia struggles defensively, Vanderbilt’s ability to guard elite wings could force Redick to make a change.
Center: Walker Kessler
Kessler completes the projected lineup as its defensive anchor.
The Lakers invested two unprotected first-round picks and two swaps to acquire him before signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract. He gives L.A. the rebounding, rim protection and vertical spacing it lacked.
A starting five of Dončić, Reaves, Grimes, LaRavia and Kessler offers the Lakers their best initial balance. It surrounds their star backcourt with two versatile defenders and an elite rim protector without completely sacrificing floor spacing.
