Lakers’ Dream Starting Five for Summer 2025: Luka Doncic at PG, Austin Reaves at SG, LeBron James at SF, Lauri Markkanen at PF, and Mitchell Robinson Anchoring the Paint — Fadeaway World’s Ultimate Lineup Vision
The Los Angeles Lakers have never been a franchise short on ambition or star power. Throughout the decades, they’ve built dynasties around transcendent talents, from Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and now, LeBron James. But as the 2025 NBA offseason begins to take shape, speculation surrounding the Lakers’ plans has reached a fever pitch. According to a recent article by Fadeaway World, the ideal starting five for the Lakers, should everything align perfectly this summer, would be Luka Doncic at point guard, Austin Reaves at shooting guard, LeBron James at small forward, Lauri Markkanen at power forward, and Mitchell Robinson at center. It’s a bold and imaginative vision—one that represents a balance of superstar pedigree, youthful potential, two-way prowess, and positional harmony.
This hypothetical starting five is as intriguing as it is explosive. Let’s begin with the most eye-catching component of the lineup: Luka Doncic running the show as the Lakers’ floor general. Doncic, who has spent his NBA career rewriting record books with the Dallas Mavericks, is widely regarded as one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the game today. A 6-foot-7 point guard with the vision of Magic and the step-back flair of Harden, Doncic can control the tempo, create shots from nothing, and elevate teammates with surgical precision. Inserting Doncic into the purple and gold would immediately usher in a new era of Lakers basketball, one that would be both a continuation of their star-driven legacy and a transition to a younger, long-term centerpiece.
While the logistics of acquiring Doncic from Dallas remain far-fetched for now, the mere idea of him donning a Lakers jersey has captivated fans and analysts alike. Doncic’s presence would also alleviate the playmaking burden on LeBron James, who, entering his 23rd season, remains a dominant force but understandably benefits from some load-sharing. This brings us to Austin Reaves, the gritty and increasingly polished shooting guard who has blossomed into a fan favorite in Los Angeles. Reaves’ rise has been one of the more compelling stories for the Lakers in recent years. From undrafted rookie to reliable starter, Reaves has shown he can hit timely shots, defend across positions, and thrive under playoff pressure. In a lineup featuring Doncic and LeBron, Reaves would be asked to do what he does best: space the floor, make intelligent cuts, and hit open looks generated by elite creators.
The small forward slot in this dream scenario still belongs to the King himself. LeBron James, even at 40, is defying conventional expectations with his conditioning, basketball IQ, and will to compete. His transition from athletic marvel to cerebral maestro has been seamless. In this ideal lineup, James wouldn’t be tasked with carrying the offense every night. Instead, he’d be a strategic weapon, conserving energy while still being capable of flipping the switch when necessary. With Doncic running the offense and Reaves spacing the floor, LeBron would have ample opportunity to pick his spots—whether operating from the post, acting as a secondary playmaker, or defending the opponent’s best wing player. It’s a formula designed for both success and longevity.
Lauri Markkanen at power forward offers an exciting blend of modern versatility and efficient scoring. The Finnish star has redefined his game in recent seasons, transitioning from a stretch big to a more dynamic offensive threat who can put the ball on the floor, finish above the rim, and shoot at a high clip from beyond the arc. Markkanen would thrive in the Lakers’ idealized offense, feeding off the attention drawn by Doncic and James while also serving as a release valve in pick-and-pop situations. At 7 feet tall with nimble feet and a feathery jumper, Markkanen would also provide spacing that opens up driving lanes for the team’s primary ball handlers. On defense, he’s not a stopper, but with the right schemes and personnel around him, his length can be an asset.
Holding down the center position in this hypothetical super-team is Mitchell Robinson, a rim protector and rebounding machine who has been a stalwart presence for the New York Knicks. Robinson’s role in this lineup is crystal clear: defend the paint, clean the glass, and finish lobs. In an era where defensive anchors are often undervalued, Robinson represents the kind of traditional big who can still thrive when paired with the right teammates. His ability to alter shots without fouling and his knack for offensive rebounding would bring a physical dimension to the Lakers’ ideal lineup. Robinson doesn’t need touches to impact the game—a perfect complement to a lineup brimming with offensive talent.
Collectively, this dream starting five embodies the convergence of youth and experience, skill and size, finesse and toughness. On paper, it checks virtually every box. Offensively, the combination of Doncic, Reaves, LeBron, and Markkanen provides spacing, playmaking, and shot creation at every position. Robinson’s presence in the paint ensures that defenses can’t simply switch everything without consequence, as he’s a dangerous lob target and relentless on the offensive boards. Defensively, while this unit might not be elite across the board, it has the potential to be highly effective. Reaves and LeBron are capable perimeter defenders, Robinson can anchor the paint, and Doncic and Markkanen, while not known for their defense, are both big enough to hold their own when schemed properly.
From a chemistry standpoint, this lineup also has intriguing potential. Doncic and LeBron are two of the most intelligent players in the league, capable of reading the game several steps ahead. If their egos and usage rates can harmonize, their partnership could be devastating for opposing defenses. Reaves, the glue guy, would fill in the gaps, doing the dirty work without demanding the spotlight. Markkanen and Robinson would benefit from the attention the stars command, maximizing their offensive efficiency while focusing their energy on defense and hustle plays.
The challenges to assembling such a lineup are immense. Luka Doncic is under contract with the Dallas Mavericks and remains their franchise cornerstone. Acquiring him would likely require a historic trade haul or an eventual free agency coup. Markkanen, too, is not easily pried from the Utah Jazz, where he has emerged as a foundational player. Robinson is entrenched in New York and has been instrumental in their recent playoff pushes. Any attempt by the Lakers to construct this dream lineup would necessitate a level of front-office wizardry rarely seen—even by Hollywood standards. It would involve gutting the roster, navigating cap space gymnastics, and convincing rival franchises to part with prized assets.
However, the Lakers have never been strangers to bold moves. From trading for Anthony Davis to convincing LeBron to join in free agency, they’ve consistently leveraged their market appeal, storied legacy, and star power to swing for the fences. The presence of LeBron—even at 40—still holds considerable sway. And if the front office can sell the vision of a reloaded championship contender with Doncic at the helm and LeBron guiding the ship, then who’s to say the impossible can’t inch closer to reality?
More than anything, this projection underscores the Lakers’ relentless pursuit of excellence. While the actual summer of 2025 may not unfold exactly as Fadeaway World envisions, the article captures the spirit of what Lakers basketball has always represented: ambition without limits. In a league increasingly defined by parity, superteams, and the ever-shifting sands of player movement, the Lakers remain committed to doing whatever it takes to stay on top. Whether it’s through blockbuster trades, savvy signings, or strategic drafting, their focus is singular: championship or bust.
In the meantime, Lakers fans can dream. Dream of Luka Doncic weaving through defenders in purple and gold. Dream of Reaves rising to even greater heights. Dream of LeBron authoring one final chapter worthy of his legend. Dream of Markkanen splashing threes and Robinson swatting shots into the third row. Because in Los Angeles, dreams are the foundation—and sometimes, just sometimes, they become reality.
