When the Lakers returned from the All-Star break on Wednesday, they did so with nearly every player on the roster available. Outside of Maxi Kleber, the Lakers fielded a healthy roster for pretty much the first time this season, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register writes.
In that game against Charlotte, the Lakers used a starting lineup of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes. Gabe Vincent, Alex Len, Dalton Knecht, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt played as reserves. That left Shake Milton, Markieff Morris, Bronny James and Cam Reddish on the outside looking in, but head coach JJ Redick acknowledged that the rotation is a work in progress.
“We’re still trying to develop the ideal rotation,” Redick said before the game. “But again, as we’ve said all year, the ideal rotation may change night to night, depending on the opponent. So a lot of guys will get their shot.”
Outside of just the names, the massive changes to the roster also lead to game-plan questions. As ESPN’s Dave McMenamin notes, on Wednesday it was James who got the last shot, not Doncic. Doncic inbounded a pass to James, who attempted a game-tying three against the Hornets.
“[James] had it going, so obviously we’re going to go to him,” Doncic said. “I think it will go both ways. One time it’s going to be him, one time me. So I think it depends how the game is going.”
Doncic has only played three games with the Lakers, and everyone involved knows that integrating a system-changing superstar doesn’t happen overnight. In his three games, Doncic is averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.0 turnovers and 4.3 fouls.
“Obviously, it’s going to take a little time,” Doncic said. “Today, a lot of rustiness for my part. Started the game with like four or five turnovers. That can’t happen. So just got to play basketball the right way.”
It isn’t just a new environment that might be contributing to rust for Doncic. Those three appearances with the Lakers are his first since Christmas Day due to his calf injury.
“He still doesn’t know all the plays. He doesn’t know all the defensive coverages, all the signals and things that we’ve built since September,” James said. “So obviously we’re trying to fast-track it on the fly. He’s coming back from his injury. He’s getting back into form. So we’re all working through it together.”
It’s still obviously early in the process, but the Lakers acquired Doncic with an eye to the future. He’s under contract through at least next season before facing a player option worth $48.97MM in 2026/27. He could agree to an extension before then, and by all accounts, he seems in good spirits following the trade. The Hoops Journal’s Grant Afseth wrote more about Doncic’s integration.
“I’m happy to be here, man,” Dončić said. “This is one of the greatest clubs in the world. Just happy to be here. Obviously, I’m gonna need some time, but I’m happy to represent the Lakers.“