Rotation Trust Level: A set nine-man rotation
The Lakers look to have a set nine-man rotation, barring injury, that should see them through into the playoffs.
While it feels long ago, back at the start of the season, head coach JJ Redick spoke of a desire for a nine-man rotation. A lot has changed since then, but it looks like the Lakers have landed on that nine-man grouping.
Players finally getting healthy and the roster being firmly set after the trade deadline means we’ve gotten a growing look at what the Lakers’ rotation should be to close the season.
Now, Rui Hachimura’s injury could throw a wrench into this. However, the rotation likely won’t change all that much if he misses some time.
With that in mind, let’s dive into things.
Starters: LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes
Dorian Finney Smith
DFS could and likely will move into the starting lineup with Rui out. He’s been fantastic after a bit of a slow start. Since he joined the Lakers, he has a plus-minus of +163, best on the team.
His contributions often don’t show up in a box score, but it’d also be nice if he could improve on his 3-15 shooting overall in the last week.
Jaxson Hayes
For all the questions about the Lakers center options moving forward, Jaxson has done everything that could be asked of him. He’s playing at a high level, is grabbing rebounds and dunking everything.
He’s still limited, yes. But you could hardly expect much more out of him.
Gabe Vincent
It’s not been a great run of games for Vincent. While he seemed to have found his form a few weeks ago, he’s been in a slump over the last week. Over the last three games, he shot 3-16 from the field and 1-13 from the 3-point line.
It’s starting to feel like last season all over again. I don’t like that feeling.
Jarred Vanderbilt
While he’s been more of a mainstay in the rotation, Vando’s minutes have not gone up. He’s played just 34 minutes over the last three games, though that includes the Denver game when he only played six minutes. Still, he’s only cleared 20 minutes once this season.
Hopefully, him being available for the second night of a back-to-back on Friday means restrictions are being loosened.
Dalton Knecht
The back end of this rotation is where things get a little murky and is likely where minutes would be cut in the playoffs.
While Knecht brought some incredible highs earlier in the season, he’s slumped for most of it. He’s made just two of his last 12 3-pointer attempts and hasn’t hit multiple 3-pointers in a game since Feb. 12.
Jordan Goodwin
While Knecht is trending down, Goodwin is absolutely trending up. Not only has he done enough offensively to stay on the floor, he’s also been a great defender. Right now, if the playoffs were to start today, I reckon I’d feel better with Goodwin on the floor than Knecht.
FOCO Releases Luka Dončić Lakers 2025 City Jersey Bobblehead
Our friends over at FOCO have another bobblehead released for Luka this season, the latest in the team’s City Edition jersey.
The bobblehead portrays Doncic wearing his purple City Edition gameday uniform in an action pose, ready to make big plays in a bigger style. The bobble is limited to 96 units, retailed at $80, and standing 8” tall.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.