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.

Marcus Smart is headed to the Lakers, adding a defensive spark and veteran leadership to a roster that already reworked the frontcourt with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Jaxson Hayes. The move signals a clear emphasis on perimeter toughness and switchability as LA aims to blunt elite backcourts and create more on-ball disruption.

Smart’s memory of guarding Kobe Bryant during Bryant’s final season embodies the momentous shift, a badge of honor that now travels with him in purple and gold. That mamba mentality, paired with Smart’s DPOY pedigree, paints a picture of a defense-first backcourt anchored by a fearless, high-IQ defender who can also facilitate and pace LA’s offense in spurts.

In short, the Lakers are betting on a tougher, more disruptive identity around Smart, Ayton, Hayes and LaRavia, with the goal of raising the floor on defense and giving LeBron James and the rest of the rotation cleaner paths to scoring and transition opportunities.

Adou Thiero, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia from the Lakers hit Dodger Stadium to throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Dodgers hosted the Toronto Blue Jays. The moment underscored an unusual offseason crossover, with NBA newcomers building rapport in a landmark MLB setting as a bridge to their new teams.

Thiero, the 36th pick after a career-best Arkansas run that produced 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, is entering a rookie season shaped by knee recovery and a three-year, 5.95 million-dollar contract via the Lakers’ second-round pick exception. Ayton and LaRavia joined for the moment, signaling a broader Lakers push to integrate young talent and cement chemistry off the court during the quiet weeks of summer.

Beyond the on-field spectacle, the gathering highlights how offseason momentum can impact fantasy outlooks. Thiero’s path to meaningful minutes hinges on health and development, while Ayton’s veteran presence could influence the Lakers’ frontcourt balance. LaRavia’s trajectory will depend on his summer league status and how quickly he translates college polish to the NBA grind.

The Dodger-Blue Jays showcase adds a cross-sport flavor to the MLB landscape, with NBA rookies leveraging a marquee stage to connect with a broad fanbase. For fantasy enthusiasts, monitoring Thiero’s health, the Lakers’ summer-plan, and how these rookies integrate with established veterans will be essential as the teams transition from offseason chatter to training camp discussions.

The Los Angeles Lakers are making significant moves this offseason, strengthening their frontcourt by signing Deandre Ayton and bringing in Jake LaRavia to replace Dorian Finney-Smith, who joined the Houston Rockets. The team is not finished yet, as they are eyeing free agents with championship experience, including Gary Payton II, who previously played with the Golden State Warriors.

With LeBron James as the sole champion on the roster, the Lakers are bolstering their squad with players who have NBA Finals experience, such as Ayton, Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent. This strategic approach aims to recreate the success they had when they added Rajon Rondo during their title run in 2019.