After yet another reshuffling of the rotation, and the most drastic one yet, the Lakers finally have a clear picture of how the team will look moving forward.
Admittedly, there were multiple times I wanted to write this article. Like just before the team’s game in Madison Square Garden as a pre-trade deadline look at the rotation.
“Nah,” I thought. “We can wait until the beginning of next week.”
Welp.
When we started this article, it was about the team D’Angelo Russell was pulled from the starting lineup and Cam Reddish was starting. My oh my have things changed since then. The Lakers are on their third iteration of a team and, given the passing of the trade deadline and the lack of buyout options, likely the final version.
So, where do things stand? Let’s jump into the latest look at the rotation. Considering the fluctuation of things, we’re going to be looking at the rotation and stats after the Anthony Davis-Luka Dončić trade.
Starters: Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes
Jarred Vanderbilt
Last time we did one of these, Vando wasn’t even playing. He hit the ground running once he did debut, but he also ended the first half of the season with a couple of duds against the Jazz.
Those final two games should help tamper expectations for the short term, as he’s still returning from a long layoff. But he’s already showing how valuable he can be to this team once he hits his full stride.
Dorian Finney-Smith
After an adjustment period after arriving in Los Angeles, it’s become very clear why DFS is so highly regarded. He may not have huge stat lines and his box scores might be underwhelming on first glance, but anyone who has watched him on the court knows that the team plays better with him on the floor.
Gabe Vincent
Many of my thoughts on Vincent mirror those of our own Darius Soriano, who discussed how much Vincent has improved on the court and his standing in the rotation. Even though Luka comes in as someone who plays his position, Gabe still has a very important role on this team.
The more he can continue to make shots, the more he’ll be relied upon because his defense will always make him a valuable piece of the rotation.
Shake Milton
Milton’s time on the court post-Luka trade came basically strictly because the team didn’t have enough guards available. Luka’s return to the court and Jordan Goodwin’s emergence should effectively mean the end of Milton’s time on the floor.
And that’s a good thing because, save for a scoring outburst during the Grammy road trip, Milton has not been good since joining the Lakers.
Trey Jemison III
The Lakers have cycled through centers since trading away Anthony Davis with varying degrees of success. Jemison played the most games of that group, but it’s unlikely he will see many minutes moving forward out of garbage time.
I would argue that I’d rather have him instead of Alex Len, but that’s a moot point now. Still, when it comes to capable two-way centers, you can do worse than Jemison.
Dalton Knecht
What an adventure Knecht has been on over the last two weeks. He was part of the Luka Lakers, then he was part of the Hornets, then he was back to the Lakers, then he was playing in All-Star Weekend and winning the Rising Stars mini-tournament.
Hopefully, he can find his way in the rotation moving forward as he provides a skill set that the team can use with his shot-making and spacing. The amount of open shots he’ll get with Luka and LeBron will be huge.
Jordan Goodwin
From out of nowhere to closing games, Goodwin has had quite the rise. He burst onto the scene, really, during the Pacers game and is going to make it hard to keep him off the floor. If Knecht can’t find his shot, for example, Goodwin might find his way back into the rotation.
Competition for spots is good and Goodwin provides that.
Alex Len
For anyone who was apprehensive about Len, his debut eased none of those fears. Given the Lakers’ success with small ball, it’s going to be hard to justify playing him minutes, and he did little to make a compelling case for more time on the court.
FOCO All-Star sale!
On the topic of the All-Star game, our friends at FOCO are having a sale to commemorate 2025 NBA All-Star weekend
Running through Monday, Feb. 17, FOCO will offer 30% off on in-stock NBA products, including all in-stock Los Angeles Lakers products. This sale includes in-stock Lakers apparel, collectibles, accessories, and more so you’re all geared up and ready to cheer on LeBron during the 2025 NBA All-Star game.
As mentioned, this sale is currently live and will be active all weekend long through Monday. Use code “NBAALLSTAR30” to apply the discount and gear up for the All-Star weekend before it’s too late!
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.