Lakers News: Projecting LA's Post-Free Agency Rotation For Next Season

How will the club's new pieces fit?

For my money, your Los Angeles Lakers have made (almost) all the right moves thus far this summer in free agency. 

LA retained its two most important incumbent free agents, shooting guard Austin Reaves and power forward Rui Hachimura, while also managing to make several terrific role player additions to address the team's three-point shooting and defense: point guard Gabe Vincent (also a really creative scorer and solid supplemental passer), forwards Taurean Prince and Cam Reddish, and center Jaxson Hayes.

The only questionable signing was the retention of mediocre starting point guard D'Angelo Russell, whose horrific turn in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets could reasonably be considered grounds for divorce. D-Lo was inked to a two-year, $37 million contract, even though Vincent proved himself in these past playoffs to be the more complete player and probably the worthy starter heading into the 2023-24 season. That said, his jump shooting, passing, and rebounding (for his position) during the regular season do have value, and thus could make him a solid trade chip ahead of February.

Here's what I project to be the Lakers' ideal rotation for next year. There's a possibility Los Angeles will still add at least one more big man before the season starts. I'm sure we'll be revisiting and updating these projections as training camp and the preseason get underway.

Point Guard

Starter: Gabe Vincent

Primary Backup: D'Angelo Russell

As I said above, Vincent is the more complete player, with a significantly more impressive playoff pedigree. Russell is streakier, but totally competent during the regular season. If his ego won't be comfortable with a reserve role to begin the year, Vincent would be a heck of a sixth man.

Shooting Guard

Starter: Austin Reaves

Primary Backup: Max Christie

I'm not sure Darvin Ham will trust Christie with this gig, and there's a chance that 6'7" Taurean Prince or 6'8" Cam Reddish, both of whom typically play at forward, could get the job over the second-year swingman out of MSU. Christie looked solid during his first Summer League game, as most returning players tend to do. He had some good moments as a rookie last season, but fell out of LA's rotation after team president Rob Pelinka made some trades to bring in more veteran help on the wing.

Small Forward

Starter: LeBron James

Primary Backup: Taurean Prince

Prince is a great 3-and-D role player, and, like the superstar he's understudying, can thrive at either the three or the four. He was steal for the $4.5 million biannual exception.

Power Forward

Starter: Rui Hachimura

Primary Backup: Jarred Vanderbilt

You don't sign a guy to a three-year, $51 million contract in the summer with the intention of him starting off the season as a reserve. Hachimura enjoyed a charmed run through the playoffs, and though it's doubtful he can keep up his incredible .557/.487/.882 shooting splits for a whole season, his athleticism and scoring aptitude make him worthy of the starting gig over the more limited Vanderbilt, though Vandy is the better defender.

Center

Starter: Anthony Davis

Primary Backup: Jaxson Hayes

Hayes has a checkered history, both on and off the court, but is a springy athlete with a high motor. He should be fine subbing in for AD during limited minutes. Of course, AD gets hurt all the time, and Hayes is a bit raw for an outsized role, so things could get a bit dicey if The Brow undergoes his typical injury woes next year.

The real question on this roster, at least to me, is how the reserves on the perimeter will fare. Is Max Christie ready for prime time, or will Cam Reddish slide down a position to serve as a backup shooting guard?

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!