The Los Angeles Lakers underwent major changes to their roster during the offseason, but even with the new additions, several key questions remain, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
Above all, health will continue to be one of the defining factors for the team’s success, particularly when factoring in the mileage on 40-year-old LeBron James.
The ability of James and other veterans to stay on the floor will inevitably shape the Lakers’ outlook.
Beyond durability, Pincus points to one major unresolved issue: the battle for the team’s fifth starting spot.
With Luka Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves locked into the lineup, along with frontcourt anchor Anthony Davis, the final position remains open for competition.
Pincus identifies Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Jake LaRavia as the most likely candidates.
Hachimura brings familiarity and shooting consistency, having knocked down 41.8% of his three-point attempts across the last two seasons in Los Angeles.
LaRavia, at 6’7″, offers versatility as a high-energy defender who can also stretch the floor with his outside shot.
Meanwhile, Smart provides a very different skill set – elite perimeter defense and toughness, qualities that could complement the offensive firepower of Doncic, James, and Reaves.
Jarred Vanderbilt, known for his hustle, rebounding, and defensive instincts, was also mentioned by Pincus as a potential dark-horse contender for the role.
As the Lakers move deeper into training camp and preseason, how head coach JJ Redick handles this rotation decision will be a storyline to monitor, especially with so many contrasting skill sets among the candidates.
The answer could prove pivotal in balancing the roster on both ends of the floor.
Los Angeles Notes: Doncic, Fifth Starter, Lopez, Clippers Rotation https://t.co/WyUZSejeAy pic.twitter.com/uz0IAbKrcq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 4, 2025
