The Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing cap flexibility over immediate extensions as they navigate the next two summers of potential big moves. Rui Hachimura, who has become a steady part of the starting lineup, is not expected to receive a contract extension in the near term. The organization wants to see how pieces fit and whether Hachimura remains a starter or shifts to a sixth-man role, all while keeping room to chase high-profile targets like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Deandre Ayton as free agency nears. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is positioned for a significant pay raise, likely around $30 million per year, should he opt out. Hachimura posted 13.1 points in 31.7 minutes last season with efficient shooting, underscoring his value in a flexible roster plan. The tension between keeping books clean and maximizing on-court fit defines the Lakers’ approach this summer and next.

The Los Angeles Lakers push their ceiling higher with two offseason additions, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, sparking speculation about the 2025-26 starting five. Ayton replaces Jaxson Hayes in the frontcourt, while Smart’s role remains a hot topic as some believe he could crack the lineup alongside LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves. A competing lineup floated by Lakers Daily has Doncic, Reaves, Hachimura, James and Ayton starting, with Smart, LaRavia, Hayes, Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent anchoring the second unit. LaRavia’s shooting and defensive upside add depth to the bench, especially behind the projected starter core.

Hachimura is broadly seen as a stable starter, giving the Lakers reliable scoring and floor spacing; Ayton provides rim protection and interior scoring, potentially changing the offense’s rhythm. Smart’s fit hinges on defense and ball handling, with injuries a caveat but a high-impact, versatile bench-to-starter transition possible. LaRavia’s 3-point clip (around 42%) signals improved spacing, while Vincent brings shooting and pace off the bench. The dynamic between these pieces will shape fantasy values across the roster, especially for guards who share playmaking duties and big men who anchor the interior.

In fantasy terms, expect Reaves and Hachimura to remain strong multi-cat contributors if they hold starting spots, Ayton’s defensive presence to boost blocks and field goal efficiency, and Smart to contribute steals and assists when he’s in the lineup. LaRavia’s minutes could carve out a meaningful role if his shooting translates to the NBA level, while Hayes’ role could shrink with Ayton’s arrival. Vincent’s shooting impact off the bench will matter for streamers in deeper leagues.

Overall, the Lakers’ rotation depth appears richer, with multiple paths to strong fantasy production depending on how the starting five settles and how the second unit is deployed. The potential lineup permutations create intriguing crossovers for fantasy managers prioritizing defense-heavy guards, versatile wings, and high-usage big men. The course of the summer will determine how quickly these schemes take shape on opening night.

Golden State’s offseason has stalled as Kuminga’s restricted status keeps the Warriors from adding big names, driving a wave of trade chatter and speculative cap maneuvers. A blockbuster three-team scenario would send Kuminga to Utah, Rui Hachimura to Utah as part of the swap, and Austin Reaves to Golden State, with Lauri Markkanen heading to the Lakers. The framework envisions the Lakers pairing Markkanen with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, while Golden State would pair Curry with Reaves to form a dangerous backcourt. More dollars and draft capital would almost certainly be needed to balance salaries. The Warriors’ center position remains a priority, and Reaves would inject scoring and secondary playmaking if the deal could materialize. For Utah and L.A., the trade would accelerate retooling and give each side a clear directional shove toward competitiveness.

From a fantasy lens, Reaves in Golden State would lift bench and lineup versatility, complementing Curry while potentially dampening Klay Thompson’s ceiling if minutes shift. Markkanen to the Lakers would add size and floor spacing, but could temper Markkanen’s raw counting stats if usage tilts behind Doncic and James. Kuminga’s future with Utah becomes a key variable: his fantasy path could hinge on role stability and minutes in a rebuilding context. Hachimura’s Jazz stint would hinge on role definition and shot opportunities, while the Warriors’ frontcourt upgrade and backcourt chemistry would be under the microscope for fantasy projections entering next season.