What happened: The Lakers still have a competition for the final spot in the starting lineup as the 2026-27 season approaches. That unresolved opening comes with the roster still one player over the regular-season limit before the Oct. 20 opener.

Why it matters: The decision will shape how the Lakers split minutes between the first unit and the bench entering camp. It also sits alongside a separate roster squeeze, with one cut still required before opening night.

What to watch: Watch for camp and preseason rotations to narrow the fifth-starter field. The pending roster cut could also clarify how the opening-night lineup falls into place.