The Lakers' projected starters after the Luka Doncic trade, including 1 glaring hole
prince j. grimes
·1-min read
Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the Mavericks defeat the Lakes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-718553 ORIG FILE ID: 20231212_jpm_an4_018973.JPG
The Los Angeles Lakers' trade for Luka Doncic pairs one of the NBA's brightest young players with one of the league's greatest players ever, which is exciting for fans to think about. But once you get past the thrill of seeing Doncic and LeBron James on the same team, it's also worth asking who's starting next to them?
Parting with Anthony Davis leaves a glaring hole in the middle of a lineup that was already thin on bigs. Maxi Kleber, who the Lakers also acquired from Dallas, recently underwent foot surgery. That probably means they aren't done making moves before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Until then, here's a look at what LA's lineup looks like after the trade.
Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after making a basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-894223 ORIG FILE ID: 20241225_jpm_an4_M20992.JPG
Backup: Gabe Vincent
SHOOTING GUARD: Austin Reaves
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-pointer against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776209794 ORIG FILE ID: 2196847526
Backup: Dalton Knecht
SMALL FORWARD: LeBron James
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Backup: Jarred Vanderbilt
POWER FORWARD: Dorian Finney-Smith
Feb 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-894509 ORIG FILE ID: 20250201_bjp_ae5_010.JPG
Backup: Rui Hachimura
Center: Jaxson Hayes
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Jordan Poole #13 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball in front of Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776209794 ORIG FILE ID: 2196848484
