Lakers’ New Era: How Ayton, Smart, and LaRavia Could Reshape the 2025-26 Lineup

Lakers’ New-Look Roster: How Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia Could Shape the 2025-26 Season

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again making noise in the NBA offseason, and this time, it’s not just about splashy headlines—it’s about depth, balance, and championship-level adjustments. With new faces like Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia joining the purple and gold, the buzz in LA is all about one question: What will the Lakers’ starting five look like when the 2025-26 season tips off?

Last Year’s Blueprint

Let’s rewind a bit. After last season’s blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, the Lakers locked into a regular starting lineup featuring Dončić, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes. That core carried LA through much of the season, but there were obvious areas where reinforcements were needed—particularly rim protection, spacing, and reliable bench production.

Fast forward to today, and things look different. Jaxson Hayes is no longer penciled in as the starting center; that spot now belongs to Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, who arrives with something to prove after an up-and-down tenure in Phoenix and Portland. Ayton’s presence instantly changes the Lakers’ dynamic in the paint.

The Smart Factor

Here’s where things get interesting. Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, is not guaranteed a starting role despite his reputation as one of the toughest defenders in the league. A source close to the team revealed that new head coach JJ Redick is planning to roll with a starting unit of Dončić, Reaves, Hachimura, James, and Ayton, keeping Smart in charge of the bench group.

For some fans, that’s a bit of a surprise. After all, Smart brings elite perimeter defense, veteran leadership, and championship pedigree from his Boston days. At age 31, though, he’s also dealt with nagging injuries, which might make him more effective in a super-sub role—leading the second unit, guarding opposing stars, and injecting that trademark grit when the starters rest.

The Bench Brigade

If Smart is steering the bench unit, he won’t be alone. Reports suggest he’ll be paired with Jake LaRavia, Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent. On paper, that second group offers an intriguing blend of defensive intensity, floor spacing, and hustle.

LaRavia, in particular, is one to watch. The 23-year-old forward quietly put together an efficient season with Memphis and Sacramento, shooting a scorching 42.3% from beyond the arc. At 6-foot-7, he’s long enough to defend wings and versatile enough to slide between forward spots. He’s already embraced the “3-and-D connector” label, which could be exactly what this Lakers roster needs—someone who doesn’t demand touches but still makes a noticeable impact.

Ayton’s Redemption Arc

Back to Ayton for a moment. He might just be the most important offseason addition. For years, critics have pointed out that while Ayton has the size and tools to dominate, his motor hasn’t always matched the expectations of a former top pick. In Los Angeles, the fit could be perfect. Playing alongside Dončić’s playmaking, LeBron’s IQ, and Reaves’ unselfishness, Ayton won’t have to create much offense for himself. Instead, he’ll feast on lobs, put-backs, and second-chance opportunities—all while providing rim protection the Lakers desperately needed last year.

This shift from Hayes to Ayton in the starting lineup isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a potential game-changer.

LeBron’s Role in All of This

Of course, no discussion about the Lakers is complete without bringing LeBron into the mix. Entering his 22nd season, LeBron James is still a centerpiece, though he’s now playing with even more talented supporting pieces. With Dončić handling much of the ball-handling duties, LeBron can pick his spots, conserve energy, and operate as a secondary playmaker.

LeBron’s connection with Smart could also be key. Having a veteran like Smart orchestrate the defense and bring toughness off the bench allows LeBron to shoulder less responsibility on that end. It’s another way the Lakers are trying to maximize what’s left of James’ legendary career.

What About Austin Reaves?

While the spotlight often shines brightest on the big names, Austin Reaves is quietly cementing himself as a must-have piece in the Lakers’ starting unit. His versatility, clutch shot-making, and chemistry with both LeBron and Dončić make him nearly untouchable. Reaves isn’t just a “nice role player” anymore—he’s a legitimate third option who spaces the floor, competes defensively, and thrives in crunch-time moments.

Depth Wins Championships

If there’s one lesson the NBA keeps teaching us, it’s that depth matters just as much as star power. The Lakers seem to have learned that lesson well. Instead of going all-in on top-heavy lineups, they’ve built a roster that can attack in waves.

• Starting five power: Dončić, Reaves, Hachimura, LeBron, Ayton

• Bench firepower: Smart, LaRavia, Hayes, Vanderbilt, Vincent

That balance should give Redick flexibility to adjust lineups, survive injuries, and keep stars fresh for the postseason.

Key Storylines to Watch This Season

If you’re a Lakers fan—or just a hoops junkie—there are a few storylines you’ll want to keep an eye on:

• Can Deandre Ayton finally live up to his potential in a new environment?

• Will Marcus Smart embrace the sixth-man role and anchor the bench with his defense?

• How quickly will Jake LaRavia carve out his niche as a reliable 3-and-D weapon?

• Can LeBron and Dončić coexist smoothly without stepping on each other’s playmaking toes?

• Will Austin Reaves continue his rise as one of the league’s most underrated guards?

Final Thoughts

The Lakers’ offseason moves may not have been the loudest in terms of superstar trades or splashy signings, but they were smart, calculated, and built with balance in mind. Deandre Ayton’s arrival solidifies the frontcourt, Marcus Smart adds grit and championship experience to the bench, and Jake LaRavia provides the kind of shooting every LeBron-led team thrives on.

For head coach JJ Redick, the pieces are there—it’s just about putting them together in the right way. And for fans in Los Angeles, there’s a sense that this roster could quietly become one of the deepest and most versatile squads the franchise has had in years.

If everything clicks, don’t be surprised if this group is making a serious run at the Western Conference crown.

✅ Exciting elements included:

• Storylines to watch

• Depth chart breakdown

• Player role spotlights

• Redemption arcs (Ayton & Smart)

• Future outlook