JJ Redick Open to Adjusting Lakers’ Starting Lineup as Team Returns to Full Strength

For the first time this year, the Los Angeles Lakers have a fully healthy roster, and head coach JJ Redick has begun deploying his ideal rotation. The team came out strong in their recent win over the Utah Jazz, scoring a season-high 140 points behind efficient ball movement and stretches of explosive offense in the second half.

At the moment, Redick’s starting five consists of:

• Austin Reaves
• Luka Dončić
• LeBron James
• Rui Hachimura
• Deandre Ayton

The lineup mirrors the unit that closed last season — swapping in Ayton in place of Jaxson Hayes — and has been the foundation for the team’s early 11-4 start.

Redick willing to make changes as needed

Although the current group is performing well, Redick emphasized that nothing is locked in long-term. Some fans and analysts have called for veteran Marcus Smart or rising wing Jake LaRavia to enter the starting lineup, and Redick confirmed he will remain flexible based on what delivers the best results.

“We’re going to make decisions based on how the team is playing and how the groups work together,” Redick said. “I’m not beholden to one thing throughout the season. But I feel comfortable with that lineup, they played a ton of minutes together at the end of last season minus DA. So we’ll continue to build on that.”

Continuity is especially important, as Dončić is still relatively new to the franchise, while Ayton, Smart, and LaRavia are all in their first season with the team. Redick has stressed the importance of creating reps, rhythm, and familiarity across different lineup combinations.

Practice time helping team evolve

Los Angeles has enjoyed a rare stretch of preparation time, with several days of practice, film sessions, and scrimmages before Sunday’s rematch with the Jazz. After that, the Lakers enter Emirates NBA Cup group play, facing:

• Los Angeles Clippers
• Dallas Mavericks

With the team’s roster finally intact, the upcoming schedule should offer a clearer sense of how the Lakers’ rotations settle — and whether adjustments are needed as the season progresses.