With the NBA season right around the corner, projected lineups are starting to roll in — and the NBA fans aren’t too thrilled about the latest one.
According to insider Anthony Irwin, JJ Redick’s first starting five in L.A. is expected to feature Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton… and Rui Hachimura.
“According to sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers speaking on the condition of anonymity, Rui Hachimura is considered the heavy initial favorite to land the fifth starting spot,” Irwin wrote via ClutchPoints.
Fans wasted no time sounding off on social media.
“Is this what ChatGPT told JJ?” one joked, referencing Redick’s admission that he occasionally bounces ideas off the AI tool.
Another said bluntly,
“Get ready for a bottom 5 defense and horrible bench again guys.”
get ready for a bottom 5 defense and horrible bench again guys
— bashir (@bashirrr_1) October 2, 2025
A third added,
“They went from AD to DA 😭😭😭😭.”
Rui Hachimura Gets Early Edge Over Marcus Smart — NBA Fans React
Heading into camp, Rui Hachimura was viewed as a slight favorite over Marcus Smart. But with Smart missing the first week of practices, the gap has widened, giving Rui the early edge.
Hachimura downplayed the chatter, saying his focus is simply on minutes and production, while trusting Redick to make the final call.
Still, the NBA fans remain split.
“This is a mistake,” one wrote.
“Have to go with Smart. Luka guards 3s and Reaves shouldn’t have to guard elite ball handlers.”
This is a mistake. Have to go with Smart. Luka guards 3s and Reaves shouldn’t have to guard elite ball handlers
— 👑🐐 (@LukaToBron) October 2, 2025
“Rui’s more valuable as a cutter & play finisher, and they already got 3 ball handlers in the starting lineup. They don’t need another one.”
For now, Hachimura has the inside track on the starting job. But with Smart lurking — and both players battling durability concerns — the Lakers’ fifth spot looks far from settled.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
