John Ireland’s projected opening-night lineup would put Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
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.
The Lakers broadcaster’s selections were shared in a Lakers Daily post Friday, giving Williams the nod at power forward and Grimes the spot at small forward.
That would answer the two lineup questions the Los Angeles Lakers carried into training camp. JJ Redick had identified Doncic, Reaves and Kessler as the established starters while leaving the remaining positions open to competition.
Ireland’s projection is not an official announcement from Redick. It does, however, identify a potential first unit as the Lakers approach the regular season.
John Ireland’s projected Lakers starting lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Point guard | Luka Doncic |
| Shooting guard | Austin Reaves |
| Small forward | Quentin Grimes |
| Power forward | Ziaire Williams |
| Center | Walker Kessler |
Williams is the selection that most directly addresses the Lakers’ unsettled forward position. Ireland’s group would give him that assignment rather than Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili or another candidate.
Grimes would join Doncic and Reaves on the perimeter, with Kessler occupying the center spot. The positional labels describe the projected lineup, but they do not establish who would defend each opposing player or how Redick would organize his substitutions.
The Lakers entered camp evaluating how to complete that three-player core. As Lakers Daily previously examined in its breakdown of the two open starting positions, the choices are connected: Selecting one player changes what the team needs from the other.
Ireland’s prediction favors the Grimes-Williams combination. It does not establish that the competition has formally ended or that the same five would close games.
Ziaire Williams returned to full practice Thursday
Williams’ availability is relevant to the projection after a foot issue interrupted his preseason.
Redick said Thursday that Williams had fully participated in practice. Williams also indicated that the medical staff would determine when he could return to game action.
“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 update gives the lineup discussion a more encouraging backdrop, although participating in practice does not by itself confirm a starting assignment or game availability.
Redick also described a preseason in which the Lakers have had more time to work together between games. He said the team expected to finish with 12 preseason practices, compared with six the previous year.
Those sessions have allowed the staff to install its system despite injuries limiting opportunities to evaluate the entire roster together in exhibition games.
For now, Ireland’s projection places Williams and Grimes in the first unit. Whether Redick selects that combination remains the decision to watch as opening night approaches.
