This NBA trade deadline has been one for the ages for the Los Angeles Lakers. General manager Rob Pelinka has made three shrewd moves that might very well shape the future of the franchise for the next decade to come. In Mark Williams and Luka Dončić, he has two players in their mid-20s who could be franchise cornerstones for a long time.
So, let’s take a look at the Lakers’ updated depth chart and how the rotation might pan out for first-year head coach JJ Redick.
Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart
- PG: Luka Dončić, Gabe Vincent
- SG: Austin Reaves, Shake Milton
- SF: LeBron James, Rui Hachimura
- PF: Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber
- C: Mark Williams, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko, Christian Wood, Markieff Morris
The team goes two deep, at the very least, at seemingly every position. The two areas where they could look to improve are bench scoring and a backup center. While some combination of Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber will hold it down without Williams.
However, finding a more trusted name, such as Steven Adams, could be in Los Angeles’ best interests. With Hachimura potentially going back to the bench to facilitate DFS’ defense, they will get a scoring punch from the former.
However, having a shot creator off the bench might be ideal. Shake Milton fits that role to a certain extent. Yet, his play isn’t consistent enough to assuage the fears of fans or management. Instead, a third reunion with Dennis Schröder might be on the cards with reports suggesting that the Utah Jazz won’t be keeping him around.
A few pieces might still be in play, either from minor around-the-edges trades or from the buyout market. But, even as currently constituted, Los Angeles has a sustainable roster.
Currently, they sit as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, just a game and a half behind the Denver Nuggets. A late-season push, led by Dončić, who could make his debut for the purple and gold before the All-Star break, might help catapult the Lakers into the top four and gain home-field advantage in the postseason.
