Lakers coach JJ Redick hasn't decided on starting lineup yet

Conventional wisdom seems to say that the Los Angeles Lakers' starting lineup this season will consist of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at guard, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura at the forward spots and Deandre Ayton at the 5.

However, there has been some debate about what would be the best starting five for the Lakers. Some feel that newcomer Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, should start, and that Hachimura or even Reaves should be reassigned to the bench to make room for Smart.

At a press conference on Thursday, head coach JJ Redick said he hasn't decided on a starting lineup yet and that he feels he has as many as eight players who are good enough to start.

Lakers coach JJ Redick says he hasn't determined a starting lineup yet entering the 2025-26 season, but feels the team has 7-8 starting-level players on the roster.— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) September 25, 2025

Another starting-level player the Lakers have who is new to the team is forward Jake LaRavia. He established himself as a deadly 3-point shooter and a promising defender last season, and Redick spoke highly of him on Thursday.

JJ Redick says he's “very high” on Jake LaRavia. Mentioned it was a great opportunity for him and his coaching staff to get a young player like Jake in free agency.— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) September 25, 2025

Media day for the Lakers will be this Monday, Sept. 29. Their first preseason game will take place four days later against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, Calif.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers coach JJ Redick hasn't decided on starting lineup yet