Questions About Lakers’ Depth Still Linger

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the third quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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As the Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2025-2026 season, questions linger about their overall roster fit, not to mention depth.

Stars in place – for now

With Luka Dončić having signed a three-year extension worth $165 million, he’s in place for the immediate future, allowing the Lakers to build a roster around him, by targeting players that fit his particular skill set.

Of course, LeBron James and Austin Reaves are still there, and both fill out the roles of the number two and number three guy fairly well, from a talent perspective at least.

James, whose future in Los Angeles remains murky due to his contractual situation (he’s currently projected to be an unrestricted free agent next summer), turns 41 in December, making a long-term fit with Dončić all the more unlikely.

Then there’s Reaves, who’s earning just a hair under $14 million this season, meaning the Lakers cannot reasonably expect to extend him, due to the league’s 140% extension limit. He, too, is projected to be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

That said, at least the trio is locked in this season, meaning there’s a bit of pressure on the Lakers to make the most of it this year, before major decisions are to be made.

The lack of depth

The Lakers signed Deandre Ayton this summer, after he got bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, making a substantial addition, particularly at center.

If you squint, you may even see the arguments of the Lakers having potentially a fourth star, pending fit, effort, and health.

After that, though, there does seem to be a drop-off.

Rui Hachimura, the team’s other starting forward, is likely overtaxed in such a role, even if he’s become an efficient scorer (13.1 points, 61.9 TS%), and the team is spending over $34 million on Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent, all of whom come with either major shortcomings, or unknown production.

That means Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart will have to carry major responsibilities this season.

Knecht is a second-year player who was initially traded at last season’s trade deadline for Mark Williams, before the trade was rescinded. Is he as motivated to stick around?

LaRavia is a solid young forward prospect, but he’s played 136 career games, and has only barely cracked 2,500 minutes. Is he ready to give the Lakers 20-plus effective minutes every night?

And, finally, Smart. The former Defensive Player Of the Year is a high-impact guy when healthy, but he hasn’t been for the past two years, having played a grand total of 54 games during that time.

All of this isn’t to say the Lakers won’t be good, but there are legitimate issues, both for the now and later on.

Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.