Having great talent can go a long way in the NBA, but it is so much more important to have players understand how they are going to impact winning for their team. The Los Angeles Lakers have that all important element of role buy-in secured.
Championship habits. Championship communication. Championship shape. pic.twitter.com/zQkv7DdZyQ
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) October 2, 2025
Listening to the Lakers players talk at Media Day should have painted the picture crystal clear for everyone. Jovan Buha, who was present, certainly believed in that pivotal aspect being there for this team. The Lakers reporter discussed the matter on a recent episode of Buha's Block.
Buha said, "Everyone has to have an element of self-awareness, of knowing this is my skill set, these are my strengths, these are my weaknesses, this what I'm being asked to do. ... Everyone has said the right things. ... It's really important that everybody buys in and understands their role."
One important thing Buha pointed out in accordance to this is the off-ball talk. With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves dominating the ball, it is necessary for the other Lakers to find their spots to fit in around that. The players in Los Angeles are ready for their roles.
Championship teams need role clarity — and Lakers already have it
Buha did also point out how many of the Lakers players are entering contract years of some shape or form. The hope would be that what was being said is not just 'lip service.' If that is the case, JJ Redick has to love the mindset of his players ahead of the new season.
Deandre Ayton is a big one here. Plenty of concerns followed the new Lakers center to this stop of his NBA career. To this point, Ayton has done nothing but offer the team hope about those problems being eliminated.
Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura, who are believed to be competing for the fifth starter spot, have both said it does not matter to them as long as the minutes are there. Although, Hachimura did subtly hint his chemistry with the starters was strong.
I asked Jake LaRavia about the biggest adjustment to joining the Lakers: “Still getting used to obviously playing with Luka. It’s my first time being on the same side as him, but it’s going to make my life so much easier playing with someone like that.” #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/AUbeMYYprw
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) October 1, 2025
Jake LaRavia has discussed fitting in by bringing the same role that he has always played. The idea was this was how LaRavia could best compliment the Lakers stars.
Even those stars, themselves, are full believers in the role buy-in. Reaves has discussed his willingness to 'do what is necessary to win.' James mentioned wanting to add to his off-ball arsenal to better compliment his teammates.
Everyone is saying exactly what one would want to hear. It now becomes a matter of having the execution match the intent.