The Los Angeles Lakers were regarded as one of the top teams to watch heading into free agency, and they wasted no time dominating the headlines due to the arrivals and departures of multiple players.
With the LeBron James era officially over, the organization has already made several moves to reshape the roster around the new face of the franchise, Luka Dončić.
Lakers Potential Rotation And Depth Chart Revealed
ESPN quickly provided insight for Lakers fans into the potential rotation following the team’s significant roster overhaul in the 24 hours.
PG: Luka Dončić, Collin Sexton, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Bronny James
SG: Reaves, Grimes, Sexton, Cameron Carr, Jake LaRavia
SF: LaRavia, Carr, Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht, Chris Manon
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt, LaRavia, Thiero, Drew Timme, AK Okereke
C: Walker Kessler, Deandre Ayton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Timme
All roads lead to Dončić as the starting point guard and one of the best players in the World. He won the scoring title last year, averaging 33.5 points per game during the regular season, but suffered a serious hamstring injury that kept him out of the playoffs and closed the Lakers’ title chances. Questions remain about his fitness and defense heading into next season.
The Lakers appear to have a new backup point guard after signing Collin Sexton to a two-year, $19 million deal. A former lottery pick, Sexton is heading to the fifth team of his career. He’ll give the Lakers dynamic scoring potential off the bench. Bronny James is still on the roster and listed at the end of the depth chart.
Austin Reaves, listed as the starting shooting guard, will likely be at the top of the list for potential first-time All-Stars next season. He averaged 23.3 points per game last season and was rewarded with a four-year $185 million extension.
The Lakers now have no tradeable first-round picks over the next seven years and have committed $475 million to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, per @BrettSiegelNBA pic.twitter.com/5wlaAp2J8S
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 1, 2026
The Lakers’ new backup shooting guard is Quentin Grimes, who agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million deal. Grimes is capable of huge scoring games, though many fans believe the Lakers may have slightly overpaid. Grimes will fill the minutes of departing guard Marcus Smart, who signed with the Houston Rockets.
Small forward is wide open following the significant announcement that James is leaving the organization. ESPN currently lists Jake LaRavia as the starting small forward. He averaged 8.4 points per game last season.
2026 first-round pick Cameron Carr is currently listed second on the depth chart, with developmental prospect Adou Thiero listed third. 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht regressed during his second season and fell out of the rotation.
Jarred Vanderbilt is listed as the starter at power forward, with Rui Hachimura expected to depart. Minutes are also open following the news that Jaxson Hayes is departing to sign with the Utah Jazz.
The organization coveted big man Walker Kessler for years, and finally acquired him after sending multiple first-round picks to the Utah Jazz. Kessler is expected to sign a four-year, $130 million contract to officially become a foundational piece of the Lakers’ new era.
The organization has an awkward situation on its hands: Deandre Ayton has been replaced but is still on the roster for now after exercising his player option. He’s listed as the backup center, but could be on the move next.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is listed as the third-string center, but may see extended time at power forward due to his long-range shooting.
The Lakers hope the new additions will keep them in the top half of the Western Conference.
