What happened: On a new episode of their podcast, The Athletic's Jovan Buha and Trevor Lane grade the Lakers' supporting cast and assess each player's fit heading into the summer. The pair break down seven role players the franchise must make decisions on: Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt.
NBA·June 3, 2026 07:00 PM ET
Buha, Lane Grade Lakers' Role Players Ahead of Pivotal Offseason
Lakers weigh which supporting pieces to keep.
Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 31 min read
More on Marcus Smart
More on Marcus Smart
- Lakers' Marcus Smart Opts Out for Free Agency as Deandre Ayton Opts In
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- Marcus Smart calls Los Angeles Lakers contract offer disrespectful
- Marcus Smart leaves Lakers for Rockets on two-year, $13M deal
- Daniels whistled for foul following paint sequence with Ayton
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