As anticipation builds for the 2025-26 NBA season, discussions around the Los Angeles Lakers‘ starting lineup have sparked debate. An NBA scout recently recommended that head coach JJ Redick include Marcus Smart in the starting five instead of Rui Hachimura, highlighting defensive concerns within the team’s current projected lineup.
Projected Lakers Starting Lineup Draws Criticism
The Lakers Daily proposed a starting five that features Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and DeAndre Ayton. When shared on social media, this lineup received strong negative reactions from fans. The NBA scout conveyed to Lakers Daily that this group lacks a crucial point-of-attack defender, a gap that Marcus Smart could fill.
“JJ should start Marcus over Rui. They need a point-of-attack defender in the starting lineup, and they won’t have one if they start Luka, Austin, Rui, LeBron, and Ayton. I would start Marcus over Rui,”
the scout said.
Defensive Shortcomings Prompt Call for Marcus Smart’s Inclusion
The scout explained that the projected starting five would struggle defensively against Western Conference opponents, emphasizing that Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and DeAndre Ayton might not provide enough resistance. Marcus Smart‘s ability to guard elite perimeter players could relieve the defensive burden on the team’s stars.
Rui Hachimura’s Offensive Strengths Could Be Maximized Off the Bench
While the scout supports starting Smart, he recognizes Hachimura’s ability to excel offensively against bench players. In the 2024-25 season, Hachimura was an essential contributor for the Lakers, participating in 59 games and starting 57. He averaged 13.1 points, 1.4 assists, and five rebounds per game, helping the Lakers secure the third seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.
Despite their success in the regular season, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, losing 1-4 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The scout envisions Hachimura thriving offensively in matchups against second-unit defenders if moved from the starting lineup.
“Rui would absolutely feast on offense playing against bench players, and Marcus can guard guys like Ant (Anthony Edwards), Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), Steph (Stephen Curry), so Luka, Austin, and LeBron don’t have to and can focus on offense,”
the scout added.
Possible Impact on Lakers’ Strategy and Upcoming Season
Integrating Marcus Smart into the starting lineup could improve the Lakers’ defensive presence without sacrificing offensive output, allowing their stars to conserve energy for scoring opportunities. This proposed change reflects the team’s ongoing adjustments after a playoff exit and ahead of training camp, where decisions about player rotations and contract extensions, including Hachimura’s, will be finalized.
As the Lakers prepare for the next season under JJ Redick’s guidance, balancing defense and offense through lineup choices may be key to competing in the tough Western Conference. This debate underscores the challenge of assembling a roster that can excel on both ends of the floor and maintain postseason success.