Each NBA team’s projected starting lineup for 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
Projected starting lineup: Los Angeles Lakers
Point Guard: D’Angelo Russell
Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
Small Forward: LeBron James
Power Forward: Anthony Davis
Center: Christian Wood
After several years in which they chose to remake their team in the offseason, the Lakers opted to largely bring back the same roster—at least the same starting lineup. Russell, Reaves, LeBron, and Davis are all expected to start, with the only change potentially being the addition of recently signed center Christian Wood.
Wood was a value-signing for the Lakers, and with Davis preferring not to play center, it makes sense to start Wood. Wood is a highly productive stretch five, though he has bounced around the league. Still, he could be a terrific offensive player for the Lakers.
As for the starting five as a whole, the Lakers should have better shooting thanks to their backcourt of Russell and Reaves, as well as Wood, to complement LeBron and Davis. They will also have plenty of size, with both of their guards being 6’4, a 6’8 small forward, and two 6’11 big men.
After finishing 11th in defensive rating last season, starting big should help them slow the game down and use their size and length to force opposing teams into tough half-court shots. Overall, this should be a very competitive starting five for the Lakers.