Luka Dončić is at the center of the Los Angeles Lakers’ plans for the new NBA season. However, two spots in the starting lineup remain open.
Head coach JJ Redick said before media day that he felt “pretty confident” about three positions in his starting five.
According to The Athletic, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler are the clear choices to start. The Lakers will use training camp to decide who joins them in the final two spots.
The team has less than three weeks to make those decisions before opening night. Los Angeles will host the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
Who could start alongside Luka Dončić?
Quentin Grimes appears to be a strong candidate for one of the open positions.
Grimes previously played with Dončić for the Dallas Mavericks. His defensive ability could make him particularly valuable in a lineup featuring Dončić and Reaves.
Grimes said the Lakers coaching staff has already spoken with him about taking on a major defensive role.
“JJ and Greg are just trying to get me back to my first couple years in New York,” Grimes said.
He explained that the coaches want him to bring intensity as a point-of-attack defender.
The other starting position appears less certain.
The Athletic identified Ziaire Williams as one possible candidate. The 6-foot-9 forward can shoot from long range, defend and run the floor.
His presence could also give Dončić more flexibility on defense.
Dončić has already made his ambitions clear, setting the NBA championship as his goal for the new season.
JJ Redick Faces Key Roster Decisions Before Opening Night
The competition goes beyond the starting five.
Redick has indicated that he plans to use a deeper rotation this season.
“We’re just naturally deeper,” the Lakers coach said. “We have the luxury of doing that, if we’re healthy with this roster.”
Redick also made it clear that players will have to earn their minutes during training camp.
“This is a meritocracy,” he said after the first practice. “You gotta earn your minutes, and you cheer for your teammates while you’re doing it.”
The Lakers also face a roster decision before opening night. They currently have 16 guaranteed contracts but can carry only 15 players into the regular season.
Lakers basketball president Rob Pelinka said the competition during camp will help determine who earns those spots. He also noted that the team could explore trades before the season begins.
For Dončić, the coming weeks will reveal which players will surround him when the Lakers begin their new campaign against Golden State.
