Lakers entire postseason starting 5 will play for other teams next season
The Los Angeles Lakers have completely revamped the roster this offseason.
Rui Hachimura became the latest Lakers free agent departure after signing a two-year, $28 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers Monday.
Every player from the Lakers’ Game 1 starting lineup versus the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs is officially gone.
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Head coach JJ Redick went with an alternative lineup in the series opener due to the injuries of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic in the postseason. Redick deployed Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton in Game 1 against the Rockets.
The Lakers defeated Houston 107-98 with those starting five, all of whom have left the team this summer.
While there have been many departures in LA, the Lakers have also added a number of free agents on the market. General manager Rob Pelinka is under immense pressure to improve the roster and made several signings in the first few days of free agency.
The Lakers signed Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal. The contract is considered an overpay, but it answered Luka Doncic’s request to give the team an elite rim protector.
Guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton as well as big man Sandro Mamukelashvili will wear the purple and gold for the 2026-27 season. Despite the roster overhaul, many believe the Lakers’ moves aren’t enough to make the team legitimate contenders.
The Lakers’ biggest needs remain a versatile wing defender and a backup center after Ayton was traded to the Washington Wizards last week.
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