At this point, it’s pretty safe to assume that Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton will headline the starting five for the Los Angeles Lakers.
That leaves one question — who gets the final spot?
Continuity Could Win Out for Lakers
The arrival of Marcus Smart gave JJ Redick another option in the backcourt — and on paper, it made sense. The Lakers need more toughness, more defense, and someone who can set a physical tone early. Smart checks all of those boxes.
But according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, early indications point toward Rui Hachimura holding the advantage for the final starting spot. Irwin reported that sources within the organization view Hachimura as the leading candidate to join Doncic, James, Reaves, and Ayton in the opening lineup.
Redick, it seems, is favoring chemistry over change. Hachimura has been part of the Lakers’ core for the past two seasons, and after a strong 2024–25 campaign, there’s little reason to mess with what’s already working.
Marcus Smart’s Setback Opens the Door
Health has also played a big role in this early decision. Smart, who’s been dealing with Achilles tendinopathy, has already missed the start of training camp. That absence widened the gap between him and Hachimura, who’s been fully active and engaged since media day.
According to Irwin’s report, Hachimura entered camp as a slight favorite over Smart — but with Smart sidelined for the first week, that gap has grown even more.
The Lakers are reportedly taking a cautious approach with both Smart and James, knowing that preserving legs for the postseason is more important than short-term experiments.
Why Rui Fits the Lakers’ Current Formula
Getty Rui Hachimura goes to the bench while Luka Doncic and LeBron James huddle after a Los Angeles Lakers timeout.
Hachimura offers more than familiarity. He’s quietly developed into one of the league’s most efficient floor spacers, shooting over 41% from deep in back-to-back seasons. With Redick’s emphasis on spacing and movement, that shooting will be essential next to Ayton and James.
Plug Hachimura in, and suddenly the Lakers field one of the NBA’s biggest starting fives: Doncic (6’7″), Reaves (6’5″), James (6’9″), Hachimura (6’8″), and Ayton (7’0″). That size could give LA an early-season advantage on both ends — especially if Ayton lives up to the hype of being Rob Pelinka’s prized offseason addition.
When asked about his role, Hachimura stayed diplomatic but hinted that continuity and chemistry matter:
“I mean, it’s coach’s decision. It’s not my decision,” Hachimura said. “It’s not really about who’s starting and not. It’s just the minutes and who can be on the court longer… we’ve been building the chemistry that I’ve been in the starting five for two, three years.”
Smart, meanwhile, is saying all the right things. “I’m here to win,” he told reporters. “No matter whether I start or come off the bench, my presence will be made.”
The Bigger Picture for the Lakers
For now, the fifth spot looks like Hachimura’s to lose. The door isn’t completely closed for Smart, though. The Lakers value his defense and leadership. If his health improves, Redick could experiment with smaller, defensive-heavy lineups later in the season.
Continuity still matters in the early stretch. The Lakers are prioritizing a fast start in a brutal Western Conference. Hachimura gives them the balance, shooting, and chemistry to make that possible.
It’s early, but all signs point to Redick sticking with what’s familiar. For a team with championship aspirations, sometimes the best move is not overthinking it.
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