Los Angeles Lakers are setting their pieces in motion for the upcoming NBA season as they aim for greater relevance. Last year they finished third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 regular season record, only to bow out early in the first round of the playoffs at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.<\/p>\n
Recapping the Lakers\u2019 NBA trade moves<\/p>\n
The most recent addition to the Californian lineup is Marcus Smart, who agreed to a release from the Washington Wizards. The 31-year-old guard signed a two-year, $11 million deal. Doncic played a key role in persuading him to join, reportedly reaching out personally to help seal the move.<\/p>\n
Before Smart\u2019s arrival, the team cut loose guard Shake Milton, who would otherwise have been guaranteed a $3 million contract for next season.<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, sources tell ESPN. Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today. Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The Lakers\u2019 reshuffle began with Jake LaRavia, who arrived from the Sacramento Kings in free agency on a two-year, $12 million contract. The second major signing was Deandre Ayton, joining from the Portland Trail Blazers with a deal worth $34 million.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes returns after entering free agency at the end of last season \u2013 he secured a one-year contract for $3 million.<\/p>\n On the departures side, the first to leave during free agency was Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets.<\/p>\n While on the other side of the coin, the Lakers\u2019 first loss during free agency was Dorian Finney-Smith, who reached an agreement with the Houston Rockets on a 4-year contract for $53 million.<\/p>\n Projected Lakers starting five for 2025<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how the Lakers\u2019 depth chart looks by position after their recent acquisitions:<\/p>\n PG: Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Bronny James<\/p>\n SG: Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht<\/p>\n PF: LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt<\/p>\n SF: Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero<\/p>\n C: Deandre Ayton, Maxi Kleber, Trey Jemison III, Christian Koloko, Jaxson Hayes<\/p>\n Which means the strongest starting lineup currently available is projected to be:<\/p>\n Luka Doncic \u2013 Austin Reaves \u2013 LeBron James \u2013 Rui Hachimura \u2013 Deandre Ayton<\/p>\n Related stories<\/p>\n Get your game on! Whether you\u2019re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. <\/p>\n Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more \u2013 plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage<\/a>, right at your fingertips \u2013 anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n