Lakers’ Current Roster By Age: Perfect Balance Of Experience And Potential

The Los Angeles Lakers' current roster features talented players across multiple age groups. With the James family securing the youngest and oldest spots on the list, we explore the Lakers' balance of experience and young potential.

5 Min Read

Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have slowly made some significant roster upgrades this offseason. After a very slow start in free agency, the Purple and Gold have come through by acquiring a solid mix of players to address their immediate needs.

As the new additions have strengthened the team, the overall makeup of the roster highlights an interesting balance of veteran experience and potential, with several young players playing an active role.

With this in mind, we take a look at the age breakdown across the Purple and Gold’s roster, while also examining the outlook this presents for the team.

Lakers’ Roster Distribution By Age:

LeBron James – 40 years old

Maxi Kleber – 33 years old

Marcus Smart – 31 years old

Gabe Vincent – 29 years old

Austin Reaves – 27 years old

Rui Hachimura – 27 years old

Jarred Vanderbilt – 26 years old

Luka Doncic – 26 years old

Deandre Ayton – 26 years old

Jaxson Hayes – 25 years old

Dalton Knecht – 24 years old

Jake LaRavia – 23 years old

Adou Thiero – 21 years old

Bronny James – 20 years old

The interesting thing about this team is that a majority of the players are in their early to mid-20s. But due to the presence of players like LeBron James, the Lakers’ average roster age is brought up to roughly 27, which only adds to the narrative of a balanced distribution of experience and youthful energy.

In many ways, the Purple and Gold have made additions with Luka Doncic‘s timeline in mind. At 26 years old, Doncic is on the brink of entering his physical prime. Considering his future as the franchise cornerstone, the Lakers have done well to acquire talent in the same age bracket.

Having three players over 30 with at least seven years of experience is also of benefit. Veteran experience is invaluable, especially when navigating the regular season. 

With the addition of Marcus Smart, the Lakers have acquired a savvy veteran who is a capable leader and can be a great influence on the younger players on the team. A veteran big man like Maxi Kleber may not receive a lot of playing time, but his experience and intelligence will be crucial in reinforcing the roster strength.

Meanwhile, the young players on the team have their roles to play. The development of players like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, who will be entering their sophomore seasons, has been worth tracking.

Although Knecht’s performance at the Las Vegas Summer League left much to be desired, the sharpshooter is expected to take some big steps this season. Given the kind of interest he has garnered from other teams in the offseason, Knecht has also been viewed as a valuable trade asset, although his stock has taken a small hit.

Meanwhile, Bronny has made noticeable strides in improvement over the summer. His performances at Summer League displayed his development as an all-around player while also showcasing sharper game instincts and awareness. With great expectations of him in the upcoming season, the 20-year-old could earn a lot of playing time if he can sustain his form.

Other young players like Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero will be looking to make their debut with the Lakers this season. While LaRavia enters his third year, the Lakers will expect meaningful contributions from him, as he acts as the replacement for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Meanwhile, Thiero boasts immense athletic ability and prowess. His value as a wing defender and slasher will be put to the test in his rookie campaign with the Purple and Gold.

With the key pieces such as Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura in their mid-20s, the Lakers are served by capable players who have gained valuable experience while still presenting room for future growth.

All things considered, the Purple and Gold have constructed a formidable roster, featuring solid role players and contributors in every position. But when factoring in the kind of reinforcements other teams in the West have brought in, the Lakers cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

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Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.
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