The Los Angeles Lakers are using a new starting lineup for the second half of the 2025-26 season, and it should make things very interesting as the playoffs approach. Amid injuries and countless other setbacks, the rotation has been in flux for months, and tonight it’s seeing another iteration that will tell us a lot about what to expect moving forward.
Against the Clippers, the Lakers featured this opening lineup: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. All three stars maintain their starting spot (for obvious reasons), and so does Deandre Ayton at center, given that the alternative is Jaxson Hayes. The big change here involves the second role-player. It’s been Jake LaRavia for the past 33 games, and before that, it was Rui Hachimura, but it seems Marcus Smart is getting the nod today in a move fans have been asking for.
“It took 55 games for the Lakers to start the group that profiled as their best starting lineup in preseason, but we are finally here,” one fan wrote on X.
While this starting group is technically new, this is the one we expected to see to start this season. On paper, it offers the perfect blend of defense (interior and perimeter) and scoring, with enough star power to keep up with any team in the NBA. The only thing preventing this group from playing together was injuries.
“I feel like one thing that isn’t talked about is the Lakers are 33-21 with guys constantly out of the lineup,” argued one Lakers fan.
Between setbacks to Reaves, Ayton, LeBron, and even Luka, the Lakers have had to be flexible with their rotations to make up for shaky availability. Now, we get to see the full team in action with no restrictions or limitations. The response from fans was encouraging online, with many celebrating the improved health situation.
“I like this! We’ve been preaching Marcus over Rui in the starting 5,” wrote one Lakers fan. “Interesting how they do!”
As usual, defense will be an issue here, but that’s where LeBron, Ayton, and Smart come in. If they can set the tone and play their roles on that end, it will go a long way toward slowing the Clippers down tonight.
“It will be interesting to watch how Ayton & LeBron can protect the glass,” a Lakers fan posted. “Because the defensive part will be the weakness with this lineup.”
While this group is undoubtedly talented, there are doubts about how they stack up to the best teams in the West. Shooting and defense have been a problem all season, but they’ve continued finding ways to stay afloat with timely wins, clutch play, and adaptability from the players. It’s championship or bust for this squad, even amid heavy doubts.
“Y’all think this lineup can compete for the championship? I hope so, but I have some doubts,” one fan wrote.
In their first game back after the All-Star break, the Lakers will have their hands full against a deep Clippers team led by one of the game’s best two-way players (Kawhi Leonard). After losing their previous matchup, the Lakers are looking for revenge in this rematch at home, where the odds are stacked in their favor.
While the game is still ongoing, we saw some positive signs in the first half, including a 22-point outburst from Luka Doncic. It’s just a small sample size, but it’s already enough that some fans fully believe this lineup could be the key to raising the Lakers’ ceiling.
