SportsEthos 2026 Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide

Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide 2025: Los Angeles Lakers Team Preview

By Mike Passador Published August 31, 2025 Updated October 6, 2025 2 min read

How’d We Get Here?

After pulling off the heist of the season — and maybe the decade and maybe the century, though only time will tell — the Lakers made quick work of committing to Luka Doncic. They now have their succession plan in place whenever LeBron James decides to move on, not that there was any doubt what would happen with Luka. Armed with two generational talents, the Lakers were once again able to get NBA players on bargain deals in the buyout market, adding Deandre Ayton to fill an important void at center and Marcus Smart to round out the bench. Their one other free agent signing was a shrewd one, as Jake LaRavia will provide much-needed versatility at the forward spots. Comparing what the Lakers added to what they lost, it’s hard not to be optimistic about their chances. Having Luka Doncic helps with all that, too.

Offseason Moves

Arrivals: Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Nick Smith Jr. (2W)
Rookie Arrivals: Adou Thiero (No. 36), Chris Manon (UDFA 2W)
Departures: Dorian Finney-Smith, Jordan Goodwin, Alex Len, Shake Milton, Trey Jemison, Markieff Morris
Retained: Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko (2W)

Depth Chart and Minutes Per Game


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About the Author

SportsEthos Contributor

Mike Passador

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Mike graduated from Boston University's Dual Degree Program with a BA in Economics and a BS in Business with Concentrations in Marketing and Operations Management. He is a faithful supporter of Toronto sports and the Detroit Lions and is always ready to be let down. Tweet to him @Mike_Pandador, but if you badmouth Jose Calderon you might get blocked.

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