Overview

• Head coach JJ Redick said no decisions have been made on the starting five, with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton viewed as locked in.
• Rui Hachimura said he will accept whatever role Redick assigns but noted the group’s established chemistry from recent seasons.
• Marcus Smart said he is focused on winning regardless of starting status and is expected to set the tone defensively.
• Insider Jovan Buha reported the Lakers “really like” Hachimura and would set a high bar to trade him, with an extension described as possible.
• The LeBron‑Dončić‑Hachimura‑Reaves quartet logged 226 minutes with a +5.1 net rating last season, and Redick praised Hachimura’s rising confidence and off‑ball fit.