The Los Angeles Lakers are evaluating their options at the power forward position as they head into the regular season, with several players showing promise during the preseason. Coach JJ Redick named a starting lineup for the team’s final preseason game on Friday that featured Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Walker Kessler, but he stopped short of confirming if this would be the group opening the season.
Williams, a 25-year-old forward, has impressed Lakers personnel not only with his on-court abilities but also with his leadership and character. Redick described Williams as "a special human being" and expressed confidence in his continued growth as a player. Williams averaged 13.5 points per game during the preseason and is considered a leading candidate to start at power forward. However, his position remains contested by teammates such as Jake LaRavia, who has regained confidence in his play, Sandro Mamukelashvili, noted for his versatile offensive skills, and Adou Thiero, who has shown progress following a rookie season hindered by injuries.
Mamukelashvili stood out as a potential fan favorite, demonstrating efficiency with 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting over 55 percent from the field and beyond the arc during the preseason. In a highlight sequence against the Denver Nuggets, Mamukelashvili contributed a three-pointer, a dunk, and a defensive rebound leading to an assist—all within under two minutes. The Lakers’ front office, including President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka and coach Redick, have prioritized assembling role players capable of passing, shooting, and handling the ball, qualities Mamukelashvili exhibits.
Rebounding emerged as an area of concern throughout the preseason, with the Lakers ranking near the bottom in rebounds per game. The team was outrebounded 49-44 in its preseason finale against Denver and struggled particularly in defensive rebounding. Redick noted that the team needs multiple players to contribute on the boards rather than relying solely on Kessler, who recorded 15 rebounds over two games but missed three due to injury. Williams echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that rebounding requires a collective effort.
The chemistry among the team’s key players remains a work in progress. Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler rarely shared extended time on the court together during the preseason, leading to expected developmental challenges. Reaves acknowledged these growing pains but expressed optimism that the group would quickly develop cohesion before the regular season begins.
The Lakers also grappled with turnovers, averaging 23 per game in the preseason. The absence of guard Collin Sexton due to a lower leg injury has impacted ball handling, and younger players, including Bronny James, have struggled with efficiency. James averaged 16.4 minutes and 2.2 points per game on poor shooting in the preseason, contributing more assists and turnovers than scoring.
Roster decisions are ongoing as the Lakers prepare to trim their roster to 15 players by the regular season opener next Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors. General Manager Rob Pelinka has indicated a willingness to explore trades but has yet to finalize any moves, constrained by limited draft assets. Forward Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft, faces uncertainty after failing to secure a consistent role despite flashes of scoring ability last season.
Veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt did not appear in the preseason finale, and guard Jaden Hardy, who has a $6 million salary this season, continues to compete for a spot, contributing 13 points in 14 minutes in Friday’s game. Hardy expressed a positive attitude about his opportunity to earn a role amid roster fluidity.
Redick emphasized that the team is still determining its ideal lineup and rotation. Quentin Grimes, who started the first four preseason games and averaged 12.3 points, remains in contention for a starting role or substantial playing time as a ball handler and shooter. The coaching staff aims to balance lineups to optimize fit and complementarity as they finalize roster decisions ahead of the regular season.