Projecting the Lakers 2024-25 Depth Chart After Disappointing Offseason
By Cem Yolbulan
Frontcourt
Starters
LeBron James
Rui Hachimura
Anthony Davis
No real surprises here. LeBron and Anthony Davis are the only two players guaranteed to start on the team. Rui Hachimura is the best fit next to them in the frontcourt as a starter.
Even though AD consistently expresses his desire to play the power forward, both he and the organization have to realize that his best position is the center. Of course, a traditional center is needed, especially in the regular season, against big, bruising big men. However, in the playoffs, Davis needs to be close to the rim on both ends of the floor. Playing next to a center creates all sorts of spacing issues on the offensive side of the ball.
Hachimura is a low-upside option but he is the closest wing that has a three-and-D skill set on this team. Neither the shooting nor the defense is elite with Hachmiura, but respectable is better than the other alternative on this roster.
If Hachimura isn't making enough shots, there is a chance JJ Redick could move Dalton Knecht to the starting lineup. That would make the Lakers smaller and defensively worse, but it could be a worthy gamble to get more scoring punch and spacing on the court.
Now how does the Lakers' rotation and bench stack up in the frontcourt?