LAKERS OPEN 2025-26 with a frontcourt pivot and a defensive maestro, as Deandre Ayton slides into the starting 5 and Marcus Smart blends playmaking with lockdown perimeter work. Jaxson Hayes shifts into a complementary role to stabilize the interior, and the new mix is designed to tame rebounding gaps that haunted LA in the playoffs.

Their opening week features a marquee home clash with Stephen Curry and the Warriors to kick off the schedule, followed by a Northern California trip to face the Kings, then a nationally televised date against Minnesota on Prime Video. The Timberwolves’ postseason win over LA highlighted the need for improved interior defense and rebound control, both of which Ayton and Smart are expected to bolster right away.

Fantasy managers should note Ayton’s center deployment could lift rebounding numbers and provide steadier production in FG% and demand on the glass, while Smart’s two-way impact may boost defensive stats and rotate solid scoring around LA’s core. LeBron James remains the constant engine, but the supporting cast now has clearer pathways to reliable fantasy value in the opening stretch.

National exposure on the Timberwolves game adds another layer of late-week fantasy relevance, with Edwards’ ceiling as a budding star elevated by the surrounding talent. For LA, the schedule tests the rotation early, and the improved interior presence can create favorable mismatch scenarios for shooters and cutters across the lineup.

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.

LeBron James made headlines recently amid speculation about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite rumors of discontent sparked by his agent's cryptic quote regarding a potential trade, James has been actively engaging with the team. He was spotted at summer league games, greeting coaches and taking photos with teammates, including Jaxson Hayes and Austin Reaves. This suggests a positive relationship with the organization as they prepare for the upcoming season.

While the agent's comments hint at urgency for a championship run, fans are left to wonder if this will lead to a shakeup. However, James's recent actions indicate that he remains committed to the Lakers, at least for now, as he chases his fifth NBA title.

Jaxson Hayes is officially set to remain a member of the Los Angeles Lakers after signing a one-year contract worth $3.45 million, a figure that exceeds the veteran's minimum. This unexpected move restricts the Lakers' access to their bi-annual exception without further salary adjustments. However, Hayes has enhanced the team's roster flexibility by waiving his implicit no-trade clause, a rarity in the NBA and currently held by only LeBron James and Bradley Beal.

After averaging 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in approximately 19.5 minutes last season, Hayes transitioned into a starting role following the trade that sent Anthony Davis and brought Luka Doncic to LA. This season, he will assume a backup position behind Deandre Ayton, indicating a shift in the Lakers' center rotation.

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially bolstered their roster by signing free agents Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Jaxson Hayes. Although these moves may not instantly catapult the team into championship contention, they lay a solid foundation for the offseason. Ayton, who previously had a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, will earn $8.1 million in the upcoming season. LaRavia will utilize the remaining portion of the Lakers' mid-level exception, making $6 million, while Hayes is set to earn $3.45 million, significantly above the veteran's minimum.

Despite these additions, the team's financial maneuverability is restricted, with only $3.9 million left in the bi-annual exception unless they waive Shake Milton. LeBron James' significant contract option at $52.6 million further complicates the roster adjustments. Analysts believe the Lakers need to secure a couple of two-way players, particularly in the guard and wing positions, to revitalize their championship aspirations. There remains speculation about potential trades and additional signings, including interest in guard De'Anthony Melton and Ryan Rollins.