Marcus Smart may land in the Lakers’ starting five to fix a leaky defense, replacing Rui Hachimura in a move scouts say could raise the team’s ceiling on that end. The idea hinges on Smart’s ability to chase multiple position players and act as a primary disruptor as LeBron James and the offense operate around him. Rui would likely slide to a bench role, where his offense could shine without bearing heavy perimeter duties, while Ayton anchors the middle alongside Smart. The debate centers on spacing, since Smart’s 3-point shooting has been a weakness, and the Lakers’ 17th-ranked defensive rating last season underscored how much a return to form on the perimeter could mean for their ceiling. The discussion also weighs LeBron’s aging workload and whether this lineup improves late-season stamina and defensive intensity without sacrificing offensive rhythm.

The piece notes the hypothetical group would feature Luka Doncic among the starting lineup examples, highlighting the tension between elite offense and lockdown defense when guarding teams with top guards and wings. Smart’s presence would free Austin Reaves and LeBron to focus more on scoring while allowing Deandre Ayton to anchor the rim and help rotations. If Redick can tailor lineups to optimize Smart’s defense while mitigating his 3-point gaps, the Lakers could rebut questions about their championship caliber and build a more resilient regular-season identity.

LA Lakers offseason earns a wary nod from many analysts, landing at No. 24 in a league-wide ranking. Deandre Ayton arrives to shore up the center position, Marcus Smart brings back bruising perimeter defense, Jake LaRavia adds floor-spacing and youth, and Adou Thiero brings athletic upside. Yet the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith robs a crucial 3-and-D winger who helped spark the team’s late-season surge. LeBron James remains a constant, while the abstract question is whether Ayton and company can unlock a higher ceiling in a stacked West. The article notes the move to Houston for Finney-Smith as a depleting blow, even as LA hopes DFS’s replacement and the new pieces can push them past the skepticism. Still, several Lakers projects exist, giving the team a realistic path to proving the doubters wrong.

Ayton’s center anchor, Smart’s defensive intensity, and LaRavia’s shooting blend with a refreshed rotation could yield a more balanced, deeper roster. The Lakers’ upside hinges on Ayton recapturing previous form and integrating with LeBron, while Smart stabilizes the backcourt. The broader context frames this as a refining year for LA: not a guaranteed leap, but a credible chance to outperform expectations if the supporting cast rises to its potential. The article closes pointing to the potential uplift from several players, leaving the door open for a reborn West fight.

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.