Lakers insider shares projected starting lineup for opening night

A Lakers insider has revealed their projected starting lineup for opening night, filling the two remaining spots alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. According to John Ireland, who reported the information on Lakers Daily, Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams will be the starters at the small forward and power forward positions, respectively.

With Walker Kessler already confirmed to play center, the Lakers' projected starting five would consist of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams, and Walker Kessler. This lineup suggestion relies on insider information, as Ireland stated on ESPN LA 710 that Grimes is a lock starter alongside Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler, and that he heard through back channels that Williams will start at the fifth position.

Although Williams only played two preseason games, he showcased impressive offensive skills, scoring 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting while making all five of his three-point attempts in 32 minutes. Defensively, he was active but had a limited impact with only one steal and no blocks in those two games. The Lakers' regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Crypto.com Arena.