Lakers Reload With Dončić, Ayton, and Veteran Depth for 2025–26 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers are once again at the center of the NBA spotlight. On September 24, the franchise unveiled its official 2025–26 roster, one that blends superstar talent with veteran leadership and intriguing young prospects. After finishing 50–32 last season but bowing out in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers appear determined to push deeper into contention this year.
At the heart of the team’s hopes is the pairing of Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Dončić, who arrived in Los Angeles last season, remains one of the league’s premier offensive engines, capable of carrying a team with his scoring and playmaking. Now 40 years old, LeBron enters his 22nd season, still defying age with elite production and a relentless drive to compete. Together, they form one of the most formidable duos in the league, though questions about durability and balance linger.
The Lakers made significant offseason moves to bolster their roster. Chief among them is the signing of Deandre Ayton in free agency. The 7-foot center provides the interior presence Los Angeles lacked last season, bringing rebounding, rim protection, and efficient scoring inside. “Ayton gives us a reliable big who can anchor our defense while fitting into our offensive flow,” head coach JJ Redick said during media availability. His arrival pushes the Lakers toward a more traditional lineup, with Ayton at center and James sliding to power forward.
Marcus Smart is another key addition. The former Defensive Player of the Year brings grit, leadership, and versatility to the backcourt. Known for his intensity and defensive tenacity, Smart is expected to provide stability alongside Dončić while also mentoring younger guards like Austin Reaves and Bronny James. “Championship teams need toughness, and Smart embodies that,” one team insider noted.
The Lakers also added Adou Thiero via draft trade, Jake LaRavia in free agency, and promising two-way guard Chris Mañon. These moves reflect the organization’s desire to balance star power with depth and development, ensuring the roster is not overly reliant on its aging core.
Among the losses were Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed with Houston, and Jordan Goodwin, now with Phoenix. Veteran Markieff Morris departed in free agency, while Shake Milton opted for a deal overseas in Serbia. While none of these exits dramatically shift the team’s outlook, the Lakers will miss Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility.
Projected starting lineup features Ayton at center, James at power forward, Thiero at small forward, Reaves at shooting guard, and Dončić at point guard. Off the bench, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dalton Knecht provide depth, while role players such as Maxi Kleber, Jaxson Hayes, and Gabe Vincent round out the rotation. The inclusion of rookies and Exhibit Ten signings such as RJ Davis, Arthur Kaluma, and Eric Dixon highlights the Lakers’ long-term focus as well.
The biggest storyline, however, may be the father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James. While Bronny enters the season on the fringes of the rotation, his development will be closely watched by fans and media alike. Having the opportunity to play alongside his father is historic, and the Lakers’ ability to manage that dynamic without distraction will be a subplot throughout the campaign.
The question now is how far this revamped Lakers squad can go in a stacked Western Conference. Denver remains the standard, while Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix all pose serious threats. The Lakers, however, believe that with Dončić orchestrating, James still producing at a high level, and Ayton fortifying the paint, they have enough firepower to make noise in the postseason.
JJ Redick, entering his second year as head coach, emphasized balance as the key. “We have stars who can win games on their own, but championships are won with depth, defense, and resilience,” he said.
The Lakers’ roster may not be flawless, but it is undeniably loaded with talent and storylines. Whether that translates to another championship run or another early exit will define the season ahead. For now, the pieces are in place, the expectations are high, and the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Los Angeles.
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