Lakers’ Stunning New Roster for 2025–26 Season Includes Luka Doncic, Bronny James, Ayton and a Revamped Supporting Cast

The Los Angeles Lakers have once again reasserted themselves as one of the most star-studded and fascinating franchises in all of sports, revealing a jaw-dropping updated roster for the 2025–26 NBA season. From the headline acquisition of Luka Dončić to the long-anticipated inclusion of Bronny James, the purple and gold have assembled a squad that blends generational talent, seasoned veterans, versatile defenders, and rising youth.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the Lakers’ projected player rotation, organized by position, with analysis on each athlete’s role, fit, and impact as the team looks to chase championship No. 18 in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.

Point Guard (PG): Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Bronny James

No single move in this offseason has drawn more attention than the Lakers’ successful acquisition of Luka Dončić. Long speculated to be a LeBron target, Dončić brings unmatched offensive firepower and elite court vision to the franchise. A perennial MVP candidate, Luka’s presence changes the entire landscape of the West. Pairing him with LeBron James—arguably the greatest to ever play—is a once-in-a-generation combination of basketball IQ and offensive artistry.

Backing him up is veteran Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year whose toughness and playoff experience will be critical. Smart not only provides backcourt depth but also leadership and defensive identity. Gabe Vincent remains a key rotation piece with reliable shooting and underrated defense.

Bronny James’ inclusion adds intrigue and excitement. While he’s unlikely to earn significant minutes early, the rookie guard has shown promise as a combo guard in Summer League action. The mere presence of both Jameses—LeBron and Bronny—on an NBA court is historic.

Shooting Guard (SG): Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht

Austin Reaves has blossomed into a core piece of the Lakers’ puzzle. A crafty scorer and facilitator, Reaves proved last season that he can thrive alongside stars. His chemistry with LeBron is excellent, and now with Dončić drawing even more defensive attention, Reaves is in line for a breakout year offensively.

The addition of rookie Dalton Knecht, one of the most polished scorers in the 2024 draft class, gives the Lakers a dynamic second-unit scorer. Knecht’s shooting, especially off the catch, could make him a weapon in small-ball lineups or alongside playmakers like Luka.

Small Forward (SF): LeBron James, Jake LaRavia

LeBron James enters his 23rd season and, remarkably, remains one of the league’s top players. With Dončić now shouldering much of the playmaking burden, LeBron could focus more on scoring and anchoring key defensive matchups. This reduced workload may help him stay fresh for a deeper playoff run.

Jake LaRavia, acquired in a draft-day trade, is a 6-foot-8 wing who adds depth and versatility. While he’s still developing, his size and shooting make him a valuable piece in lineups that emphasize spacing and switchability.

Power Forward (PF): Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Adou Thiero

Rui Hachimura showed flashes of brilliance during the postseason and remains an essential part of the Lakers’ frontcourt. His ability to stretch the floor, create mid-range looks, and defend bigger wings gives Darvin Ham flexibility with lineups.

Jarred Vanderbilt, a defensive menace, returns healthy and ready to resume his role as a high-energy stopper. His ability to guard multiple positions will be even more important in this new-look Lakers team that now boasts more offensive weapons.

Adou Thiero, an intriguing two-way forward from Kentucky, joins the team as a developmental piece. His upside lies in his defensive instincts, rebounding, and hustle. While raw offensively, his presence strengthens the Lakers’ commitment to size and athleticism on the wing.

Center (C): Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber

The frontcourt might be the most under-the-radar improvement on this roster. Deandre Ayton, once the top overall pick and now a veteran, gives the Lakers a true two-way center capable of scoring 15–20 points nightly and cleaning up the glass. His rim protection and touch around the rim will allow the Lakers to defend and run in transition with more consistency.

Jaxson Hayes returns as a springy backup center. His lob-catching ability and shot-blocking give the second unit an edge when Ayton sits. Though still inconsistent, Hayes thrives in an up-tempo game and can benefit from Luka’s passing.

Maxi Kleber, Dončić’s longtime Dallas teammate, also arrives in Los Angeles. Known for his shot-blocking and three-point shooting, Kleber gives the Lakers the perfect stretch-5 to throw into modern lineups. His familiarity with Luka’s game will help smooth the offensive flow in bench-heavy rotations.

Team Identity, Fit, and Projected Impact

This Lakers team, on paper, is unlike anything LeBron has had since joining Los Angeles. The offense will now flow through Luka Dončić, allowing LeBron to choose his spots while still being a nuclear scoring and facilitating threat when needed. That dual dynamic will be nearly impossible to guard, especially with shooters like Reaves, Knecht, and Kleber spacing the floor.

Defensively, the addition of Marcus Smart and the return of Vanderbilt anchor a unit that will need to rotate and communicate at an elite level to support Luka and LeBron, both of whom will need help against quick guards and high-paced systems.

The team’s mix of youth and veteran talent is well-balanced. Veterans like Smart, Kleber, and Ayton provide experience and grit, while younger names like Bronny, Knecht, LaRavia, and Thiero offer growth potential.

Moreover, the star pairing of Dončić and LeBron—two generational creators—will make the Lakers must-see television every night. If both stay healthy, expect Los Angeles to climb the standings quickly. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, but very few teams can match this blend of star power, depth, and versatility.

As training camp approaches, the Lakers will need to fine-tune rotations and figure out how to manage minutes for a roster brimming with contributors. Darvin Ham’s job is far from easy, but with an All-NBA engine like Luka Dončić joining LeBron James and a revamped cast of role players, expectations in L.A. will be sky high.

The 2025–26 season won’t just be about rings or wins. It will be about legacy. Luka chasing greatness. LeBron adding to his. Bronny beginning his journey. And a Lakers franchise embracing yet another era of Hollywood basketball theater.

The purple and gold are back—and maybe better than ever.