Luka Doncic is capable of just about anything on a basketball court. With limitless range as a shooter, elite dribble penetration and interior finishing skills, and generational playmaking ability, Doncic can do it all—and he does it at 6’8”.
As the Lakers explore different lineup constructions with a new-look roster, their best on-paper options will test just how versatile Doncic truly is.
Doncic standing at 6’8” and 230 pounds permits a degree of versatility most players simply can’t provide. The question, however, is just how far that extends. For Los Angeles, the more specific question is whether or not Doncic could be the one who addressed their need for a power forward in certain lineups.
According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, a Lakers assistant coach believes that Doncic is capable of playing any position from point guard to power forward.
“'We needed more backcourt and wing depth. Of all the great things about Luka (Doncic), one of the best is his versatility. He can play 1-4. That means you can play all kinds of guys with him,' a Lakers assistant coach said."
Doncic has a massive burden to carry on the offensive end of the floor, but his success as a defensive 4 could greatly expand the Lakers' options and allow them to play their best players.
Can Luka Doncic play the role of a defensive 4?
Los Angeles' three guaranteed starters at the moment are Doncic, center Walker Kessler, and shooting guard Austin Reaves. Question marks exist in regard to how they can best complement that trio, however, as the new players are talented but have flaws.
Quentin Grimes, for instance, is a top-tier guard defender and a catch-and-shoot specialist, but he stands at 6'4" and spent less than 20 percent of his possessions defending small forwards in 2025-26.
This isn't to say that Grimes can't guard wings, of course, but there may be matchups that aren't necessarily ideal for him. In those scenarios, being able to place the 6'8" Doncic on a taller wing would enable the Lakers to keep Grimes on the court without playing him out of position.
That should be a top priority considering Grimes is arguably the best two-way perimeter player on the roster.
In 2025-26, he averaged 16.4 points and 4.0 assists per 36 minutes, and shot 53.6 percent on drives and 38.3 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes. More importantly, he ranked in the 87th percentile in perimeter isolation defense and the 93rd percentile in off-ball chaser defense.
Doncic defending small forwards would help the Lakers keep Grimes on the court and position him to play his optimal role within JJ Redick's rotation.
Luka's versatility can maximize Grimes' impact, expand rotation options
Beyond maximizing Grimes' impact, Doncic truly being able to play the 3 and 4 would save the Lakers from running out potentially subpar lineups. That's primarily due to the fact that there's absolute uncertainty in regard to who might join Grimes in rounding out the starting five.
Jonathan Kuminga was eyed for the starting role, but the Lakers failing to sign him has left the position to a cast of flawed options: Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Matisse Thybulle, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Ziaire Williams.
LaRavia, Vanderbilt, and Williams are intriguing defenders who lack consistent jumpers. Mamukelashvili is a dynamic offensive big, but he played 93 percent of his minutes at the 5 last season and struggles to defend in space. Thybulle could check the ideal boxes, but has extensive injury concerns.
That makes Doncic's ability to defend power forwards a potential saving grace that could help the Lakers expand their options if said players fail to deliver at the 4.
Doncic's versatility could enable the Lakers to play wings at the 3 rather than forcing questionable fits at the 4. That could include finding minutes for rookie Cameron Carr, a 6'5" wing with a near 7'1" wingspan and intriguing 3-and-D potential. It could also permit experimenting with playing Collin Sexton with the starters.
One way or another, the Lakers will have their most options and their greatest shot at finding their best lineups if Doncic can be as versatile as advertised.
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