“Projected 2025–2026 Lakers Depth Chart with Jrue Holiday — A Star-Studded, Defense-First Roster Featuring Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, and the Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience”
The 2025–2026 Los Angeles Lakers could be staring at one of the most intriguing and potentially dominant rosters in recent memory if the addition of Jrue Holiday becomes reality. This projected lineup would be a blend of seasoned veterans with championship pedigree, young stars on the rise, and versatile role players who can seamlessly fit into multiple schemes. At the center of it all is the ambition to not only contend for another NBA title but to do so with a balanced attack rooted in both offensive firepower and defensive grit. This hypothetical Lakers roster is designed for depth, versatility, and postseason resilience, making it a squad that could leave a mark on league history.
Holiday’s arrival would signal a clear commitment to championship-caliber defense in an era where offensive numbers often dominate the headlines. The veteran guard, widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in basketball, brings a unique combination of lockdown defense, unselfish playmaking, and timely scoring. In a backcourt rotation that could already feature Luka Dončić’s offensive brilliance and Austin Reaves’ all-around growth, Holiday’s presence would provide balance and structure. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be impactful, and when he does take control of an offense, he can orchestrate with precision, making life easier for scorers around him. His playoff experience and ability to guard multiple positions would give head coach Darvin Ham the flexibility to employ a variety of lineups against different opponents.
Of course, the Lakers’ projected depth chart for this season starts with Luka Dončić, a player who has firmly established himself as one of the most dynamic and creative offensive forces in the game. Having Dončić as the focal point of the offense gives the Lakers an edge in playmaking that few teams can match. His size, vision, and scoring ability make him a matchup nightmare, and his willingness to operate alongside other stars means the Lakers can run both heliocentric sets and more balanced offensive schemes. Dončić’s presence takes pressure off LeBron James, who, entering his 23rd season, remains a top-tier contributor but can now pick his spots to conserve energy for high-leverage moments.
Speaking of LeBron, his continued excellence is a testament to his preparation, skill, and basketball IQ. In this projected roster, his role could shift more toward being a facilitator and secondary scorer during the regular season, saving his legs for the playoffs. Surrounded by capable shot creators like Dončić, Reaves, and Holiday, LeBron would no longer need to shoulder the same nightly offensive burden. His ability to operate in the post, initiate fast breaks, and set up shooters remains invaluable, and his leadership in the locker room is unmatched. Even at his age, his presence on the court changes the gravity of the game, forcing defenses to constantly adjust.
Inside, the acquisition of Deandre Ayton gives the Lakers a true anchor in the paint. Ayton’s combination of size, athleticism, and touch around the rim makes him a legitimate two-way center. He’s capable of running the floor, finishing lobs, and hitting midrange jumpers, while also providing solid rim protection and rebounding. His defensive potential, especially when paired with Holiday and LeBron’s defensive instincts, could elevate the Lakers into an elite defensive team. Ayton also thrives when playing alongside high-IQ passers, and with Dončić and LeBron feeding him, he could see his offensive efficiency spike.
The supporting cast in this projection is equally intriguing. Austin Reaves has blossomed into a versatile guard who can shoot, create for others, and play solid defense. His fearlessness in big moments has made him a fan favorite, and his ability to play both on and off the ball makes him an ideal fit alongside stars. Rui Hachimura provides scoring punch from the forward position, with the ability to stretch the floor and attack mismatches in the midrange. His improved consistency from beyond the arc forces defenders to respect his shot, opening lanes for drives and post-ups.
Then there’s Bronny James, the rookie whose development will be watched closely by fans and media alike. While expectations should be tempered early, his defensive instincts, playmaking vision, and work ethic could help him carve out a rotational role sooner rather than later. Playing alongside his father and some of the game’s smartest players could accelerate his learning curve. Even in limited minutes, his energy and commitment to defense could make an impact in key stretches.
Other role players like Robert Williams III, if included in the rotation, could provide valuable rim protection and rebounding in relief of Ayton. Williams’ shot-blocking ability and knack for altering shots could give the Lakers a different defensive look when they want to ramp up the pressure. Depth pieces like Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent (depending on roster moves) would round out the bench, ensuring that the Lakers can survive stretches when their stars rest.
One of the most compelling aspects of this projected depth chart is the flexibility it offers in terms of lineup construction. The Lakers could go big with LeBron at small forward, Ayton at center, and Hachimura at power forward, while still keeping strong perimeter defense with Holiday and Dončić. Alternatively, they could downsize for a more modern, switch-heavy approach, sliding LeBron to power forward, Hachimura to center, and surrounding them with shooters and playmakers. Holiday’s defensive versatility means he can guard point guards, shooting guards, and even some small forwards, freeing Dončić from difficult defensive assignments.
Offensively, this team could run a variety of sets that play to the strengths of its stars. Dončić can operate as the primary ball handler in pick-and-roll situations with Ayton or Williams, creating easy looks inside or kick-outs to shooters. LeBron can still take over in the post or drive situations when needed, while Holiday can orchestrate half-court possessions to keep everyone involved. With multiple players capable of initiating the offense, the Lakers would be far less predictable, which is essential in the playoffs.
Defensively, the combination of Holiday, Ayton, Williams, and LeBron provides an excellent foundation. Holiday can pressure the ball at the point of attack, Ayton can protect the rim, and LeBron’s ability to read plays can disrupt passing lanes. Role players like Vanderbilt can be inserted for specific matchups to further bolster the defense. This depth means that the Lakers could realistically deploy lineups that can both score efficiently and shut down opposing offenses, a balance that championship teams often possess.
The addition of Holiday also has intangible benefits. His championship experience with the Milwaukee Bucks, leadership qualities, and unselfish nature fit perfectly with a Lakers team looking to maximize its championship window. He’s known for being a steadying presence in the locker room, and his willingness to take on difficult defensive assignments could inspire the rest of the team to commit on that end of the floor. In high-pressure playoff situations, having a player like Holiday who can make timely plays on both ends is invaluable.
Looking ahead, the challenge for the Lakers will be managing minutes and keeping everyone healthy. LeBron’s age means load management will be critical, and Ayton has had stretches of inconsistency in the past that the team will need to monitor. Holiday himself has battled injuries over the years, so maintaining depth in the guard rotation is key. The Lakers will also need to ensure that young players like Bronny James and Max Christie continue to develop and stay ready, as playoff runs often require contributions from unexpected sources.
In terms of chemistry, the fit looks promising on paper. Dončić’s willingness to pass, LeBron’s unselfishness, Holiday’s adaptability, and the shooting of players like Reaves and Hachimura should blend well. The key will be establishing roles early so that everyone understands when to be aggressive and when to defer. Given the experience of the coaching staff and the high basketball IQ of the core players, that should be an attainable goal.
If this projected 2025–2026 depth chart becomes reality, the Lakers would enter the season as one of the favorites to win it all. They would have star power, defensive prowess, offensive creativity, and playoff-tested leadership. Holiday’s addition could be the final piece that transforms a strong roster into a championship juggernaut. In a Western Conference loaded with talent—from Nikola Jokić’s Denver Nuggets to the rising Oklahoma City Thunder—the Lakers would have the tools to match up with any opponent in a seven-game series.
Ultimately, the story of this team would be one of balance. The Lakers wouldn’t have to rely solely on LeBron’s heroics or Dončić’s offensive explosions. Instead, they could win games with suffocating defense, balanced scoring, or clutch performances from multiple players. That kind of versatility is rare and dangerous, especially in the playoffs. If the pieces fall into place and health remains on their side, this iteration of the Lakers could etch its name into franchise lore alongside the great teams of the past.
The potential addition of Jrue Holiday isn’t just about adding another big name to the roster—it’s about finding the perfect connective piece that helps the whole puzzle fit together. With stars, role players, and rising talents all aligned, the 2025–2026 Lakers could be built to dominate, and the league should be on notice.
