The Lakers face a tough balancing act heading into the 2025-26 season. They’re trying to keep LeBron James happy while also building their future around their new superstar, Luka Doncic.
Doncic just signed a massive three-year, $165 million deal with the Lakers, making it clear he’s the franchise’s future. But what does that mean for the rest of the roster?
One Lakers insider has a surprising idea for next year’s starting lineup.
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha believes the team should replace Rui Hachimura with Marcus Smart in the starting five. It’s a move that could significantly change the team’s defensive identity.
Smart vs. Hachimura: A Defensive Upgrade?
Smart joined the Lakers this offseason after a brief stint with the Washington Wizards. The 31-year-old veteran signed a two-year, $11 million deal after agreeing to a buyout with Washington.
This move gives Smart his first chance to play meaningful basketball since his time with the Celtics in 2022-23.
Hachimura started 57 games for the Lakers last season, but Buha thinks Smart brings something Rui doesn’t – defensive versatility.
“Smart can guard a point guard through a power forward,” Buha explained. That’s something Hachimura struggles with.
Buha isn’t suggesting Smart would play huge minutes as a starter. He envisions a role similar to what Chris Paul had with the Spurs last season – starting games but playing less than 30 minutes.
This approach would still leave plenty of playing time for Hachimura off the bench. Buha predicts Rui could still see about 26 minutes per game, just slightly less than he played last season.
The Lakers are clearly trying to make the most of their championship window while they have both Doncic and LeBron together. It’s a rare opportunity that won’t last forever.
If Redick decides to keep Hachimura in the starting lineup, then center Deandre Ayton would be the only new face among the first five.
The clock is ticking on LeBron’s career, and with Doncic now locked in as the future, every roster decision becomes crucial. Will Redick shake things up or stick with what worked last year?
That’s the million-dollar question heading into what could be one of the most important seasons in recent Lakers history.
