3 Dynamic Starting Lineups JJ Redick Could Utilize for the Revamped
Lakers
With the recent acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, the Los Angeles Lakers now possess exciting new options for their starting lineup. The trade sent D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets, giving the Lakers two skilled three-and-D specialists: a multi-positional forward in Finney-Smith and a versatile guard in Milton. These additions enhance the team’s flexibility and depth but leave rookie head coach JJ Redick with decisions to make about his best lineup configurations.
Redick has emphasized maintaining continuity for now, opting to build on the chemistry developed over the past few weeks. However, with these new tools at his disposal, the first-year coach has multiple options to consider. Let’s delve into three potential lineups that could define the Lakers’ identity moving forward.
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1. The Continuity Lineup: Banking on Familiarity
Starters: Austin Reaves, Max Christie, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis
Redick has confirmed he will stick with this lineup for the Lakers’ next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 1. This unit has been pivotal to the Lakers’ recent resurgence, earning a 6-2 record over the last eight games after Max Christie was promoted to the starting lineup. Christie, recognized as the team’s best point-of-attack defender, has grown as a two-way player and overtaken Cam Reddish at shooting guard.
Austin Reaves continues to thrive as the primary ball-handler, embracing his evolution into a true point guard. With LeBron James scaling back his offensive workload this season, Reaves has stepped up, averaging an impressive 21.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in the last five games. Meanwhile, LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Rui Hachimura have remained staples in the frontcourt, offering a balance of scoring, defense, and versatility. Hachimura, in particular, has proven his value as a multi-faceted wing who complements the Lakers’ stars seamlessly.
This lineup has proven effective, with a 5-1 record in games where all five players started. For now, Redick will aim to solidify their chemistry while integrating the new acquisitions into the rotation off the bench. If something is working, why fix it?
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2. The Big Lineup: Unleashing Size and Versatility
Starters: LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Anthony Davis
If the current lineup falters or the team needs a strategic shift, Redick could implement a “big lineup” reminiscent of the Lakers’ 2019-20 championship season. LeBron would take on the point guard role, with Reaves slotting in alongside him in the backcourt. This approach leverages LeBron’s unparalleled playmaking abilities, evidenced by his 9.0 assists per game this season—a mark not seen since his dominant stint as the Lakers’ floor general during their title run.
Adding Finney-Smith to the starting lineup would bolster the defense significantly. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and space the floor with his three-point shooting, Finney-Smith can lighten the defensive load on LeBron while thriving as a catch-and-shoot threat. Pairing Finney-Smith with Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis creates a robust defensive wall, with each player capable of guarding both inside and out.
Offensively, this lineup offers a unique mix of size, spacing, and versatility. LeBron’s court vision, Finney-Smith’s corner shooting, and Reaves’ backcourt dynamism make it tough for opposing defenses to match up. With this lineup, the Lakers could overwhelm opponents by fielding a squad where the shortest player is 6’5″.
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3. The Shooting Lineup: Prioritizing Offensive Firepower
Starters: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith, Anthony Davis
While the Lakers’ defense has improved recently—posting a 109.3 defensive rating over the last 10 games—offensive consistency remains a challenge. To maximize scoring potential, Redick could opt for a shooting-heavy lineup that spaces the floor and capitalizes on three-point threats. This would involve replacing Max Christie and Rui Hachimura with rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht and newly acquired Dorian Finney-Smith.
Knecht, who is shooting 36.7% from three-point range in his debut season, provides the Lakers with their most reliable pure shooting option. His quick release and green light to shoot could open up the floor for LeBron’s playmaking and Anthony Davis’ interior dominance. Finney-Smith, meanwhile, continues to excel as a corner specialist, boasting a career-high 43.5% three-point percentage this season.
With Reaves contributing as a third shooting threat and LeBron’s ability to find open teammates, this lineup can exploit opposing defenses by maximizing spacing. If LeBron rediscovers his shooting touch—after shooting over 40% from deep last season—it could turn the Lakers’ offense into an unstoppable force, with Davis anchoring the team on both ends.
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Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers now possess the tools to deploy varied and situational starting lineups to keep opponents guessing. Whether Redick opts to prioritize continuity, overwhelm with size, or ramp up the offensive firepower, the key will be integrating these options without sacrificing chemistry. With Finney-Smith and Shake Milton adding new dimensions, the Lakers’ ability to adapt and maximize their depth could determine their success in a highly competitive Western Conference.
