One of the big questions about the Los Angeles Lakers over the summer and through the preseason has been what their starting lineup will consist of. Coach JJ Redick said that there will be two spots up for grabs alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, but as recently as this past Monday, he said he hadn't decided on his other two starters yet.
With the Lakers' five-game preseason schedule now in the past tense, there may be an answer to that question. Per Lakers Daily, reporter John Ireland gave his projected starting five, and it has Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams filling the two open spots.
John Ireland on the Lakers’ projected starting 5 for opening night:
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) October 16, 2026
PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Quentin Grimes
PF: Ziaire Williams
C: Walker Kessler
According to Lakers Daily, this projected starting five seems to be based on inside info from Ireland.
"He basically said on ESPN LA 710 that Grimes was a lock with Doncic, Reaves and Kessler, and that he heard through 'back channels' that Williams is going to be the fifth starter."
Williams only played in two preseason games this month, but he looked crisp offensively, scoring a total of 27 points on 9-of-12 overall shooting while making all five of his 3-point attempts in 32 minutes. Although he had a total of just one steal and no blocks in those two contests, he was active defensively and can bring the team some disruption and pressure on that end of the floor.
Ireland's projected starting five would also allow Los Angeles to bring Sandro Mamukelashvili off the bench. Mamukelashvili, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound hybrid big man, was impressive throughout the preseason with his shot-making, ball-handling, passing and rebounding. His ability to hit treys, attack downhill, rebound, make good passes and initiate fast breaks off defensive rebounds could make the Lakers' second unit very potent.
The Lakers' regular-season opener will take place on Wednesday evening at Crypto.com Arena versus the Golden State Warriors.
This article originally appeared on Lakers Wire: Lakers insider shares projected starting lineup for opening night