The Los Angeles Lakers have completed an unfathomable reconstruction of a postseason-caliber roster in a matter of days. Starting with a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic and continuing with a shocking move for rising star center Mark Williams, Los Angeles rebuilt overnight.
While it remains to be seen how the new roster will come together, what's undeniable is that the championship window has officially opened in Los Angeles.
The Lakers now boast one of the most compelling starting lineups in the NBA. Locked in as starters are Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Williams, with three high-level forwards to consider for the final spot between Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
That alone gives the Lakers seven players who are capable of providing strong minutes in the rotation, with other intriguing options to consider further down the depth chart.
Gabe Vincent scored 20 points in six different games in the 2023 NBA Playoffs and is beginning to rediscover his offensive form in 2024-25. Jaxson Hayes has been productive in limited playing time at center, and should continue to provide respectable minutes as a reserve.
Even if the Lakers aren't able to go nine players deep in the rotation, however, what's perfectly clear is that their starting lineup is built to contend.
Lakers have built a championship-caliber core
With Doncic and James, the Lakers have two of the most exceptional postseason players in the NBA. James may be 40, but the four-time NBA champion and Finals MVP will continue to provide invaluable insight and production if only because of his almost unrivaled experience.
Doncic, meanwhile, was playing in the NBA Finals less than eight months ago, and has a second run to the Western Conference Finals under his belt, as well.
Reaves has taken a significant step forward in 2024-25, posting career-best averages of 18.4 points, 6.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.6 three-point field goals made per game. He's also proven consistent in the postseason, including the fact that he started all 16 games when the Lakers reached the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
Compounded by the raw talent of Williams and the trio of options to be weighed among Finney-Smith, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt, the Lakers have the top-end talent to compete with anyone.
When all else fails, the Lakers can look no further than to their new franchise player. Doncic, a five-time All-NBA First Team honoree, is a player who can put a team on his back and lead them to extraordinary heights.
He proved as much during the 2024 Western Conference Finals, when he led all players from both teams in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made per game.
Compounded by James' uncanny ability to take over in crucial spots, the Lakers have built a remarkable roster. They're going to lean on their stars, as all teams do, but they've surrounded those players with a dynamic blend of defensive-minded wings, a productive big, and a crafty playmaking guard.
Much will be asked and answered between now and the postseason, but starting this process at 10 games above .500 has Los Angeles in a fascinating position to contend.