“Projected 2025–26 Lakers Depth Chart: Jrue Holiday Joins Forces with Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton in Star-Studded, Defense-Loaded Lineup”

The projected 2025–2026 Los Angeles Lakers depth chart, with the addition of veteran guard Jrue Holiday, presents a vision of a roster that is as formidable on the defensive end as it is capable on offense. This is a team that blends championship experience, all-around skill sets, and youthful energy into a lineup that could be one of the most balanced in the NBA. The combination of established stars like Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton with rising talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Bronny James gives the Lakers the type of flexibility that makes them dangerous in multiple styles of play. The arrival of Jrue Holiday, known as one of the best perimeter defenders and most intelligent two-way guards in the league, only amplifies the team’s identity as a group capable of suffocating opponents defensively while generating offensive opportunities through ball movement, spacing, and individual brilliance.

Holiday’s fit alongside Luka Dončić is a fascinating element of this depth chart. Luka has always been a high-usage ball-handler who dictates the flow of an offense, but having Jrue as a secondary playmaker means the team can diversify its attack and take pressure off Dončić when necessary. On the defensive end, Holiday’s ability to guard multiple positions—point guards, shooting guards, and even some small forwards—gives Los Angeles the option to hide Luka defensively or shift matchups depending on the situation. It’s no secret that playoff basketball is often about exploiting mismatches, and with Holiday in the backcourt, those mismatches become much harder for opposing teams to find. His championship pedigree from his time in Milwaukee will also be invaluable in guiding younger players and complementing the leadership of LeBron James.

LeBron’s presence in the 2025–2026 season will be about more than just numbers on a stat sheet. At this stage of his career, LeBron has mastered the art of picking his moments. Surrounded by more playmaking talent than ever, he can conserve energy for critical stretches, serve as the team’s on-court strategist, and exploit weaknesses with his unmatched basketball IQ. LeBron’s ability to play both forward spots, facilitate as a point forward, and defend bigger players when needed gives the Lakers an anchor around which all their other pieces can rotate. While some might question whether he will still be able to deliver peak performances deep into the season, having players like Luka and Jrue ensures the burden will be spread evenly, making LeBron even more dangerous when it matters most.

The frontcourt will be anchored by Deandre Ayton, whose size, rebounding, and inside scoring give the Lakers a legitimate center who can dominate the paint. Ayton’s ability to run the floor and finish lobs from Dončić or Holiday adds a vertical element to the Lakers’ offense that complements their perimeter shooting threats. His defensive presence in the paint will be equally important, as he can provide rim protection while allowing the Lakers’ perimeter defenders to pressure the ball without fear of being exposed at the basket. If Ayton maintains consistency and aggressiveness, he could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the attention opposing defenses must give to Luka and LeBron.

Austin Reaves is set to be a vital glue guy in this depth chart. His game has grown each season, and his ability to space the floor, make smart decisions, and defend multiple positions fits perfectly with the team’s needs. Reaves doesn’t require high usage to make an impact—he thrives in off-ball situations, knocking down open shots when defenses collapse on the stars and keeping the offense flowing when initiating plays. With Holiday taking the tougher defensive assignments, Reaves can use his length and instincts to disrupt passing lanes and contribute to the Lakers’ defensive identity without being worn down by guarding elite scorers night after night.

Rui Hachimura brings an inside-out scoring option at forward, capable of punishing smaller defenders in the post and stepping out to hit midrange jumpers or occasional threes. His size and physicality make him a valuable defender against bigger wings, and his ability to crash the boards will be critical in limiting opponents’ second-chance points. The versatility Hachimura provides also means the Lakers can play bigger lineups without sacrificing too much mobility, or go smaller with him at the four in a switch-heavy defense.

One of the most intriguing storylines in this projected roster is Bronny James. While expectations will be high given his father’s legacy, Bronny has shown flashes of being a strong perimeter defender and capable playmaker. His development will determine how quickly he can contribute meaningful minutes, but being surrounded by high-IQ veterans like LeBron, Jrue, and Luka will accelerate his growth. The Lakers can afford to ease him into the rotation without pressuring him to produce immediately, allowing him to focus on honing his defensive instincts, improving his shooting, and learning the nuances of NBA spacing and tempo.

The bench unit is where the Lakers’ depth really shines. Veteran role players and young contributors will give head coach JJ Redick the flexibility to mix and match lineups depending on the opponent. Having multiple players who can initiate offense, knock down shots, and defend across positions ensures the Lakers won’t suffer major drop-offs when the starters rest. The defensive versatility of Holiday, Reaves, Bronny, and Hachimura allows the Lakers to throw out lineups that can switch everything, trap pick-and-rolls, and force turnovers, turning defense into instant offense.

Offensively, this roster offers a blend of pick-and-roll excellence, post-up options, isolation scoring, and transition opportunities. Luka Dončić will remain the primary engine, orchestrating plays and exploiting mismatches, but with Holiday on the floor, the Lakers can run dual ball-handler sets that keep defenses guessing. LeBron’s ability to dominate smaller defenders in the post and Ayton’s presence as a lob threat means opposing teams must guard all areas of the floor. Surrounding these options with consistent shooters like Reaves and Hachimura will open the floor even further.

Defensively, the Lakers could be a nightmare to score against. Holiday’s on-ball defense sets the tone, while Ayton’s rim protection and Hachimura’s ability to guard versatile forwards close gaps. Reaves and Bronny bring energy and willingness to fight through screens, while LeBron’s veteran savvy allows him to anticipate plays before they happen. The team’s collective length, communication, and commitment to switching could smother even the most potent offenses.

The key to making this projected depth chart work will be health and chemistry. With so many stars and playmakers, managing egos and ensuring roles are clearly defined will be critical. Luka will need to adapt to playing alongside another high-usage guard in Jrue, while LeBron must trust that the younger stars can carry stretches without his constant involvement. Ayton will have to maintain focus and effort, especially on the defensive end, and the bench players must embrace their roles fully.

If it all comes together, the Lakers’ 2025–2026 roster could be one of the most balanced and dangerous in recent memory. The combination of elite talent, defensive prowess, and offensive versatility makes them a legitimate championship contender from day one. The addition of Jrue Holiday doesn’t just improve their backcourt—it elevates their entire team identity, giving them the tools to thrive in both the regular season grind and the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Opponents will have to prepare for a team that can outscore you in a shootout, lock you down in a defensive battle, or outthink you in a half-court chess match. This projected depth chart isn’t just a collection of big names—it’s a blueprint for sustained success, and if the Lakers execute it correctly, the 2025–2026 season could be one for the history books.