On paper this is the most competent Lakers roster in like 4 years, they’re still a couple moves away though.
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2025 NBA season with one of their most competent rosters in recent memory. After a few years of roster turnover, trades, and adjustments to find the right mix of talent, the Lakers have finally put together a squad that not only looks ready to compete for a championship but also has the depth and versatility to challenge teams on both ends of the floor. Still, despite the improvements, there are still a few moves and fine-tuning to be done before they can truly claim to be the top contender in the Western Conference.
With an all-star core featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a supporting cast of defensive stalwarts, high-potential role players, and an influx of youth, this is the Lakers’ most balanced roster since their 2020 title run. The team has taken significant strides to solidify its roster on paper, but the reality is that the job isn’t finished. They’re close, but a few more moves could elevate them to the championship level.
At the core of the Lakers’ roster, there is undeniable talent. LeBron James, entering his 23rd season, is still one of the best players in the world, and Anthony Davis is arguably the most dominant defensive force in the game today. Together, they form a duo that can compete with any team in the league.
However, unlike previous seasons, the Lakers have also managed to surround LeBron and AD with a solid mix of shooting, defensive depth, and versatile players who complement their skill sets. Here’s a breakdown of how the current Lakers roster stacks up:
1. LeBron James – The Leader
While LeBron’s age and wear-and-tear are often discussed, there’s no denying his continued elite performance. LeBron has adapted his game over time, and while he may not be the explosive player he once was, he’s still one of the best playmakers and offensive engines in the NBA. His leadership and ability to play multiple positions make him irreplaceable for the Lakers.
2. Anthony Davis – Defensive Anchor
Davis has returned to elite form after some injury struggles and remains arguably the best defensive player in the league. His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and contribute offensively with his post game and mid-range shooting makes him a top-tier option in the frontcourt. The Lakers are most successful when Davis is healthy, and as long as he stays on the floor, they’ll be a defensive juggernaut.
3. D’Angelo Russell – Playmaking & Scoring
Russell has proven that he can be an effective second option on offense, especially with the Lakers’ need for a reliable perimeter scorer. He has the ability to orchestrate offense while also being a capable three-point shooter. Russell’s fit with LeBron and AD in terms of playmaking is solid, but his defensive limitations are often exposed. The Lakers will need more from him on that end if they want to make a deep playoff run.
4. Austin Reaves – The Breakout Star
Reaves has firmly established himself as one of the Lakers’ most important players after his breakout performance in the 2023-2024 season. A true 2-way player, Reaves offers shooting, playmaking, and a high basketball IQ. He has the potential to become a third star on this team, and his chemistry with LeBron has been a pleasant surprise. His development could make or break the Lakers’ future success.
5. Rui Hachimura – Versatile Forward
Hachimura has been a solid addition to the Lakers since joining mid-season. At 6’8″, he brings size, scoring, and the ability to stretch the floor. His defense has improved, and he’s shown flashes of being a reliable two-way player. However, his consistency remains an issue, and he’ll need to step up and contribute more regularly if the Lakers are to take that next step.
6. Jared Vanderbilt – Defensive Specialist
One of the key acquisitions in recent years, Vanderbilt gives the Lakers much-needed defensive versatility. He’s capable of guarding multiple positions and is excellent at crashing the boards. However, his offensive game is limited, and he can be a liability at times. If he can develop a more consistent jump shot, he could become an even more vital piece of the Lakers’ rotation.
7. Maxi Kleber – Floor Spacer & Defender
Adding Maxi Kleber gives the Lakers another option in their frontcourt who can space the floor with his three-point shooting while also being an effective defender. Kleber’s experience in the NBA, especially with a team like the Dallas Mavericks, will help provide depth in the frontcourt, and his ability to defend at the perimeter could be a critical asset for the Lakers against teams with versatile wings.
8. Dennis Schröder – Playmaking & Defensive Disruption
Schröder provides the Lakers with another ball-handler and someone who can facilitate offense when LeBron or Russell is on the bench. He has the ability to make plays and bring energy on both ends of the floor. His scoring off the bench has been invaluable, but he can sometimes be inconsistent as a floor general.
9. Young Talent – Chris Manon and Christian Koloko
The Lakers have also added young, developmental players like Chris Manon and Christian Koloko, both on two-way contracts. Manon, a forward known for his athleticism, and Koloko, a 7-foot shot-blocker, offer upside and depth to the roster. While they’re unlikely to play major minutes immediately, these players give the Lakers long-term options to explore.
Despite the promising depth and versatility, the Lakers’ roster isn’t complete just yet. To truly position themselves as the favorite in the Western Conference, the team will likely need to make a few more moves in the coming months—whether through trade, free agency, or internal development. Here are the areas where the Lakers may still need to adjust:
1. Backup Center and Depth Behind Anthony Davis
As currently constructed, the Lakers’ backup center position is still a bit of a question mark. While Koloko offers potential, he’s still developing, and Jared Vanderbilt or Maxi Kleber are more likely to play as primary backup bigs in small-ball lineups. If Davis were to miss time, the Lakers may not have a reliable option behind him, especially with an emphasis on rim protection and interior scoring.
Possible Moves: The Lakers could look for a more established veteran backup center—someone who can play quality minutes and be a steady presence if Davis were to get hurt. Think of players like Brook Lopez, Bismack Biyombo, or even Mason Plumlee if available. Adding a veteran presence in the paint would solidify the Lakers’ frontcourt depth.
2. More Perimeter Scoring
While the Lakers have LeBron, Reaves, and Russell as perimeter threats, there’s a distinct lack of proven shooting on the roster. Schröder and Vanderbilt aren’t consistent shooters, and Hachimura’s shooting can be hit or miss. The Lakers need to add more shooting options, especially to space the floor for LeBron and Davis in pick-and-roll situations.
Possible Moves: The Lakers could target a reliable 3-and-D wing who can shoot the ball consistently. Buddy Hield comes to mind as a player who could provide a huge boost in this area. Someone like Kyle Kuzma, if the Lakers can swing a trade, would also help with both spacing and versatility.
3. Creating Cap Space or Trade Flexibility
While the Lakers have made several smart signings, they still have limited cap space to work with. They’ll need to either move contracts or trade away non-essential players to create the room necessary to add another piece—whether it’s a starting-level player or a rotation guy who can contribute when needed.
Possible Moves: The Lakers could explore trading Troy Brown Jr., Juan Toscano-Anderson, or other fringe rotation players to upgrade the roster. There may also be opportunities to explore the buyout market closer to the trade deadline if another player becomes available.
4. Internal Development
As much as the Lakers need to make moves, they must also rely on the internal development of their younger players. Reaves has already blossomed into a key contributor, but Hachimura, Vanderbilt, and Schroder can all take another step forward. The more these players develop, the less the Lakers will need to rely on external moves.
On paper, the 2025 Los Angeles Lakers roster is arguably the best they’ve had in years. With LeBron, Davis, and a supporting cast that includes several versatile, defensive-minded players, they’re positioned to make a legitimate championship run. However, they still have a few kinks to work out.
Whether it’s adding a backup center, finding more shooting on the wing, or creating the flexibility needed to make a key trade, the Lakers are not quite finished building their championship contender. Still, with the core they already have in place, they’re in great shape to make another push for the NBA Finals—but only if they can close the gaps that still exist in their roster. It’s close, but they’re almost there.
