John Ireland thinks the Lakers’ opening-night puzzle is basically solved.
On ESPN LA 710, the Lakers broadcaster projected a starting five that pairs Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler with Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams. Ireland said Grimes is a lock next to Doncic, Reaves and Kessler, and added that he had heard through “back channels” that Williams will be the fifth starter.
That would give the Lakers a clean answer to the two spots they brought into training camp as open competitions. JJ Redick had already labeled Doncic, Reaves and Kessler as the established starters, while the other positions were left for the group to sort out.
Ireland’s projected lineup looks like this:
Point guard: Luka Doncic
Shooting guard: Austin Reaves
Small forward: Quentin Grimes
Power forward: Ziaire Williams
Center: Walker Kessler
The biggest call there is Williams, who would slide into the unsettled forward spot ahead of Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili or another contender. Grimes would handle the other wing spot alongside Doncic and Reaves, with Kessler anchored in the middle.
It’s worth stressing that this is Ireland’s projection, not a formal announcement from Redick. Still, it does put a potential first unit on the board as the regular season gets closer.
Williams’ status only makes the conversation more interesting. His preseason was interrupted by a foot issue, but Redick said Thursday that Williams had fully participated in practice. Williams also said the final call on his return would come from the medical staff.
“Good. It’s up to the staff now,” Williams said.
“I’m in good hands. They’ve been taking care of me.
See how we feel. But yeah, it’s up to them.
I’m ready to go as long as they say I am.”
That doesn’t lock him into the starting five, but it does give the projection some real weight.
Redick also noted that the Lakers have had more time to build between games this preseason, saying the team expected to finish with 12 preseason practices, compared with six last year. Those extra sessions have helped the staff install its system even with injuries cutting into game-to-game evaluation.
So for now, Ireland’s read is clear: Grimes and Williams in the first unit. Whether Redick makes the same call is the part to watch.
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