The Los Angeles Lakers have finally pulled the trigger on a lineup change that fans have been clamoring for since the start of the season. On February 20, 2026, head coach JJ Redick unveiled a starting five featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton against their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. With this move, the Lakers took a decisive step toward shoring up their defense and maximizing their star power as the playoff race intensifies.
For months, the Lakers’ rotation has been a revolving door, dictated by a relentless string of injuries and the search for the perfect mix of talent. Jake LaRavia, who had started the previous 33 games, was shifted to the bench, while Rui Hachimura—once a fixture in Redick’s plans—found himself in a reserve role as well. The change marked the first time in 55 games that the Lakers rolled out the group that had been projected as their optimal lineup back in preseason. As one fan put it on X, “It took 55 games for the Lakers to start the group that profiled as their best starting lineup in preseason, but we are finally here.”
The move wasn’t just about star power; it was about balance. The Lakers, despite a 33-21 record, had been forced to adapt on the fly due to injuries to key players like Reaves, Ayton, LeBron, and Doncic. “I feel like one thing that isn’t talked about is the Lakers are 33-21 with guys constantly out of the lineup,” argued another Lakers fan online. The sentiment was echoed throughout the fanbase, with many expressing relief at seeing the team finally healthy and at full strength. “I like this! We’ve been preaching Marcus over Rui in the starting 5,” wrote a supporter, summing up the general mood.
JJ Redick’s decision to insert Marcus Smart into the starting five wasn’t made lightly. The coach had previously leaned on Hachimura’s size and shooting, but the Lakers’ need for perimeter defense became impossible to ignore. Smart, a defensive stalwart and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, brought exactly the kind of grit and versatility the Lakers needed to counter the Clippers’ offensive threats. “It will be interesting to watch how Ayton & LeBron can protect the glass,” a fan posted. “Because the defensive part will be the weakness with this lineup.”
The new starting group had played just 12 total minutes together before the showdown with the Clippers. That unfamiliarity didn’t seem to matter in the opening moments. The Lakers exploded for 41 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for an energetic and fast-paced contest. Luka Doncic, in particular, looked rejuvenated, pouring in 22 points in the first half and orchestrating the offense with his trademark creativity. “Fans know what Doncic can do with shooters around him, and he proved it again against the Clippers,” noted one observer.
Marcus Smart’s impact went beyond the box score. Though he finished with seven points, two rebounds, one steal, and one block, his three clutch baskets and defensive presence helped stabilize the Lakers on both ends. The move also allowed Redick to optimize his bench rotations, with Hachimura and Luke Kennard joining forces in the second unit. That flexibility paid dividends, as the reserves kept up the pressure and contributed to a well-rounded team performance.
LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton rounded out the lineup, each bringing their own strengths to the table. LeBron’s leadership and ability to anchor the defense were crucial, while Ayton’s presence in the paint gave the Lakers a much-needed interior anchor. Reaves, meanwhile, provided secondary playmaking and floor spacing, making the offense more unpredictable and difficult to guard.
“Y’all think this lineup can compete for the championship? I hope so, but I have some doubts,” one fan wrote, capturing the cautious optimism that surrounds this Lakers squad. Shooting and defense have been inconsistent all season, but the new lineup offers hope that the team can finally find some stability as the postseason approaches. The Lakers’ victory over the Clippers in their first game back after the All-Star break was not just a win in the standings—it was a statement that this group, at full strength, has the tools to make a deep run.
For head coach JJ Redick, the decision to start Smart was a long time coming. “JJ Redick finally put Marcus Smart in the Lakers’ go-to starting lineup,” one report noted. The coach’s willingness to adapt and listen to fan feedback was a welcome change, especially after months of resistance. “It just took coach Redick a bit of time to figure it out. Thankfully, he got there to start the stretch run,” a commentator observed. With the Lakers fighting to secure a playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference, every adjustment matters.
The Lakers’ improved health situation cannot be overstated. For just the 11th time all season, Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves were all available and starting together. Earlier in the year, LeBron was sidelined, then Reaves went down with a calf injury, and Doncic missed a couple of games after his backcourt partner’s return. The lack of continuity made it difficult for the team to build chemistry, but with everyone finally on the court, the possibilities are tantalizing.
As the game against the Clippers unfolded, the Lakers showed flashes of the team many expected them to be. The offense was humming, the defense was engaged, and the energy in Crypto.com Arena was palpable. There’s still work to be done—consistency remains a concern, and the Western Conference is as unforgiving as ever—but for one night, at least, the Lakers looked every bit the contender their fans hoped they would be.
Looking ahead, the big question is whether Redick will stick with this lineup as the Lakers push toward the playoffs. The early returns are promising, and the fans’ patience may finally be rewarded. “Now, the coach has to stick with it,” one analyst remarked. If the Lakers can maintain their health and build on this momentum, there’s no telling how far they can go.
For now, the Lakers have taken a crucial step forward. The new starting five has injected fresh life into a season marked by adversity, and with the postseason looming, the timing couldn’t be better. The action is ongoing, but one thing is clear: the Lakers’ best lineup has finally arrived, and the rest of the NBA is officially on notice.