The 2025 Los Angeles Lakers are on the cusp of a bold new era, and the basketball world is still trying to make sense of the unofficial—but incredibly buzzworthy—roster shake-up that has taken form this offseason. In what many are calling one of the most surprising offseasons in recent franchise history, the Lakers appear poised to launch a reimagined team built on defensive toughness, all-around versatility, and a hybridized style of play that combines the creative brilliance of international basketball with the grit of the NBA’s Eastern Conference ethos. At the center of this evolution is Luka Dončić, the Slovenian phenom who arrives in Los Angeles not only as the team’s new starting point guard but also as the fulcrum around which the Lakers’ title aspirations will now orbit. Listed at 6-foot-6, Dončić brings with him an MVP-caliber resume, a wealth of playoff experience, and the rare ability to make everyone around him better.
While Dončić’s arrival instantly shifts the balance of power in the Western Conference, it’s the context around him—the supporting pieces, the coaching philosophy, and the team’s renewed defensive identity—that makes the Lakers’ unofficial 2025 roster a fascinating study in modern team construction. Flanking Dončić in the starting backcourt is Marcus Smart, the tenacious former Defensive Player of the Year who now takes over at shooting guard. Smart’s addition doesn’t just make this backcourt one of the most physically intimidating in the NBA—it adds leadership, communication, and a level of defensive accountability that has been sorely missed since the Lakers’ 2020 title run.
Smart, who at 6-foot-3 has built a reputation as a lockdown defender and a vocal locker room presence, fits perfectly alongside Dončić in theory. Where Dončić operates as a brilliant offensive engine capable of scoring from anywhere and orchestrating plays at will, Smart offers perimeter defense, hustle plays, and the ability to guard multiple positions. Though Smart’s offensive output is inconsistent at times, his willingness to defer and play within the team structure should mesh well with Dončić’s ball-dominant tendencies. Together, they form a backcourt pairing that blends brains and brawn, creativity and chaos—a potentially elite duo if chemistry develops as expected.
The rest of the Lakers’ starting five, while still subject to speculation, appears to be shaping up in complementary ways. Rumors indicate that Jarred Vanderbilt, now fully healthy and back in game shape, is in line to start at small forward. Vanderbilt, known for his defensive versatility, rebounding, and energy, represents another key cog in the Lakers’ attempt to rebuild a top-tier defensive unit. While not a high-usage scorer, Vanderbilt’s ability to defend wings and switch onto guards and bigs alike makes him a valuable on-court asset, especially in lineups that demand flexibility. His offensive limitations can be hidden effectively when playing next to high-usage stars like Dončić, and his cutting and off-ball movement will be critical in spacing-challenged half-court sets.
At the power forward spot, the Lakers have reportedly penciled in Rui Hachimura, whose development since arriving in Los Angeles has been one of the team’s most pleasant surprises. Hachimura brings mid-range scoring, spot-up shooting, and underrated physicality. He plays with a calm confidence, capable of hitting clutch shots and defending forwards with size. While not a natural stretch-four in the modern sense, Hachimura’s offensive arsenal has grown just enough to earn defenders’ respect from the perimeter. With Dončić handling most of the playmaking responsibilities, Hachimura’s ability to take advantage of mismatches and knock down open looks could make him an extremely efficient third or fourth option in the offense.
Anchoring the starting lineup at center is Anthony Davis—still the team’s foundational defensive presence and a perennial All-NBA candidate when healthy. Davis remains one of the most dominant two-way big men in the game. His presence alongside Dončić opens up intriguing possibilities: lobs in the pick-and-roll, high-low actions, and the chance to let Davis focus more on defense and finishing rather than initiating offense. Despite whispers about his durability, Davis has shown in stretches that he can still anchor a championship-level defense. With a capable perimeter defense in Smart and Vanderbilt, Davis may no longer need to overextend himself on every possession, which could help preserve his health throughout the long grind of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Off the bench, the Lakers’ unofficial depth chart hints at a blend of veterans and promising young talent. Colston Loveland, the dynamic rookie tight end-turned-hooper from Michigan who shocked scouts during the pre-draft process, could be one of the most intriguing pieces. Though still raw, his elite athleticism, feel for the game, and willingness to do the dirty work might earn him minutes early on. Also in the mix is veteran wing Cam Reddish, who is reportedly entering training camp in the best shape of his career. If Reddish can finally put it all together, he might carve out a key rotational role as a 3-and-D wing.
Dalton Knecht, the Tennessee standout and Summer League sensation, has shown flashes of microwave scoring ability. His size and shooting make him a viable option in bench-heavy lineups, and he may find himself filling a role similar to that of Malik Monk during his time in LA. Maxi Kleber, acquired in a trade deal that many consider under the radar, offers floor spacing from the five position and the ability to play next to or behind Davis in dual-big lineups. His European chemistry with Dončić from their shared time in Dallas could also provide a boost in terms of chemistry and comfort.
