Yo, so check it: Lakers head coach JJ Redick is still playing it super close to the vest, admitting he’s totally undecided about his starting lineup for opening night. We’re just over a week out from them squaring off against the Golden State Warriors, and while Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and Walker Kessler are locked in as the three main guys, those other two spots are completely up in the air.
The Core Is Set, The Rest Is a Free-for-All
Redick’s got his building blocks in Reaves, Doncic, and Kessler, and those three are absolutely assured of their starting spots when healthy. No surprises there, those guys are legit. But when it comes to who’s gonna roll out with them, Redick’s keeping everyone guessing. He’s openly said he’s got a versatile squad and plans to mix his starting lineups throughout the season based on matchups, which means those other two spots are gonna be a revolving door.
Right now, the buzz is all about Sandro Mamukelashvili, with some folks arguing he deserves a start because he just *fits* so well with the potential starting five. Then you’ve got Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle, two other names being tossed around who could easily snag a spot. Redick’s looking to maximize his roster, so don’t be surprised to see all these dudes get their time to shine on the court as the 2026-27 season unfolds.
Injuries and the Art of the Shuffle
Redick’s decision-making isn’t happening in a vacuum. He admitted, “We’ve certainly seen glimpses of the things we like. It’s hard because we’ve just been a little disjointed with the guys being banged up, so there’s nothing definitive yet.” See? Injuries are a huge part of the equation, messing with how he can truly evaluate the combos. This dude knows his lineups are fluid, so he’s not overthinking things too much, but the clock is ticking for opening night.
Honestly, Redick’s got his work cut out for him, but this isn’t his first rodeo. He’s led teams to 50 wins in his first two seasons, even when the injury bug hit hard and kept guys sidelined. So while we’re all itching to see who gets the nod against the Warriors next week, Redick’s keeping us on the edge of our seats. It’s gonna be wild to see how he finally puts it all together for opening night!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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