Projecting the Lakers 2024-25 Depth Chart After Disappointing Offseason

Rotation

D'Angelo Russell
Max Christie

Russell is the most likely Lakers player to not be on the team on opening day. He surprisingly opted into his player option for next season, limiting the Lakers' financial flexibility. He remains a defensive liability, especially in the postseason. Fortunately for the Lakers, he is on an expiring contract, so they should be able to move him either before the season or at the trade deadline.

If he is still on the roster in October, Russell is better as a sixth man. With Austin Reaves and LeBron James on the roster, the Lakers don't need another shot creator and scorer.

The other backcourt player who is projected to be in the rotation is Max Christie. Despite playing in 67 games last year, he only got 14 minutes of action per game. The Lakers hope to increase that number after giving him a four-year, $32 million deal this summer. The 21-year-old has some nascent three-and-D ability but has to be consistent to guarantee a rotation role.

Bench

Bronny James
Jalen Hood-Schifino

Despite all the attention Bronny James is getting, he will likely not be in the rotation in his rookie season. He will surely get minutes in garbage time and the Lakers will certainly make an effort to get him and LeBron on the court at the same time to make history. However, the 19-year-old USC product is still a work in progress and needs to get as many reps as possible in the G League for his development.

Jalen Hood-Schifino didn't get any playing time as a rookie and the former first-round pick needs to prove he can play in order to crack the rotation. Considering the depth of the position, it's hard to see him get regular minutes.

Next up: the frontcourt.