Lakers HC JJ Redick's Starting Five Decision Down to Six Players, Insider Believes

Sep 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks during a press conference to preview the 2025-26 season at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | William Liang-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick now has six players for five starting slots ahead of training camp, per Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. Training camp officially tips off on Monday.

Five-time All-NBA superstar guard Luka Doncic, 21-time All-NBA power forward LeBron James (who, remarkably, is still playing at that level ahead of his age-41 season), and newly signed starting center Deandre Ayton are all pretty clearly going to get dibs on starting spots.

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Price, though, argues that, given the way Redick talked about guard Austin Reaves during a media day presser this past week, he anticipates Redick will continue to start Reaves — at least, to tip off the 2025-26 season.

"Doncic, James and center Deandre Ayton, who the Lakers signed after his contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, are virtually locked in as starters," Price writes. "Redick said Doncic and Austin Reaves will be the team’s primary ball-handlers, suggesting Reaves is also expected to start, leaving one final slot open in the first unit."

How Effective Can LA's Big Three Be Together?

The fit of Reaves, Doncic and James — three ball-dominant players who aren't particularly good defenders — had led to questions about Reaves' role with L.A. going forward, especially after the Minnesota Timberwolves quickly ex-communicated the Lakers from the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five quick games.

Despite questions about his commitment and some legitimate injury concerns, Ayton is unquestionably better than Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers' other two traditional center options.

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The real question, however, is that fifth and final starting spot. Per Price, it will come down to incumbent starting small forward Rui Hachimura (who, positionally, would probably be a better fit as a power forward, but James has precedence there) and another new free agent signing, Marcus Smart.

"Rui Hachimura, who has been a starter for the past one-and-a-half seasons and ended last season with the Lakers as a starter, and Marcus Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year who signed with the Lakers after his contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, are expected to be two of the main candidates for the fifth starting spot," Price notes.

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