Bleacher Report has given the Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup an A grade following a 3-1 start to the season. The opening five features point guard Luka Dončić, shooting guard Austin Reaves, small forward Ziaire Williams, power forward Matisse Thybulle, and center Walker Kessler, producing a plus-19.3 net rating across 107 total possessions.
Luka Dončić’s Historic Scoring Pace
Dončić currently leads the NBA by averaging 38.3 points per contest. Bleacher Report noted that this scoring rate would rank fourth all-time in league history for a qualifying full season, trailing only three separate campaigns by Wilt Chamberlain.
Supporting Cast Performance
The lineup strategy focuses on amplifying Dončić’s playmaking skills while preserving his shooting opportunities. While players like Jake LaRavia and Quentin Grimes have also made starts at the wing position, Dončić, Reaves, Thybulle, and Kessler have locked down permanent spots in the opening group.
Kessler has executed his assignment flawlessly, contributing 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 71.4 percent from the field. Meanwhile, Reaves is producing All-Star statistics with 23.6 points and 5.1 assists per game, alongside 44.4 percent shooting from three-point range despite sharing the floor with a high-usage player like Dončić.
Although the small forward position lacks an elite option, the Lakers’ starting unit has delivered exceptional overall results on the court.
