The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 training camp opened at the UCLA Health Training Center with a different kind of buzz. Gone was the circus of the LeBron James “will he or won’t he retire” saga—James had already committed to a two-year extension, and the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, had doubled down on continuity.

But the real intrigue wasn’t about the stars. It was about the battles for the final spots in JJ Redick’s first full rotation as head coach—a rotation that, for the first time in years, is truly up for grabs.

Redick, hired after Darvin Ham’s 2024 playoff exit, made it clear in his opening presser: “We’re not handing out minutes based on contracts or reputation. This is a competition. The best five will start, and the next five will play.”

That message has set the tone for a camp where every drill, every scrimmage, and every off-ball cut is being scrutinized by a staff that includes Phil Handy (player development), Chris Jent (offensive coordinator), and new defensive specialist Lindsey Harding.

The first and most high-profile battle is at point guard. D’Angelo Russell, who re-signed on a two-year, $38 million deal, is the incumbent starter. But Austin Reaves, fresh off a breakout 2024 postseason (18.2 PPG, 5.1 APG, 41% 3PT), is pushing for more on-ball reps.

Redick has alternated them with the first unit, but in early scrimmages, he’s also experimented with both on the floor—Reaves as a secondary creator, Russell as a spot-up shooter.

The wild card is rookie Bronny James, who’s shown flashes of elite on-ball defense and transition playmaking. “Bronny’s not here for a redshirt year,” Redick told reporters. “He’s competing for real minutes.”

At shooting guard, the battle is even tighter. Max Christie, entering his third season, bulked up to 210 pounds and has been the camp’s best perimeter defender. Gabe Vincent, healthy after a lost 2024, is the most reliable catch-and-shoot threat.

Redick has praised Christie’s “defensive motor” and Vincent’s “veteran poise,” but the real test will be who can hit open threes off LeBron and Anthony Davis’ gravity. In the first two preseason games, Christie started and held his own against All-Star guards, but Vincent closed both games with the second unit, hitting clutch shots.

The small forward spot is LeBron’s, but the backup role is wide open. Cam Reddish, re-signed on a one-year prove-it deal, is in the best shape of his career and has flashed improved decision-making.

Taurean Prince, the Lakers’ most versatile defender last year, is back on a team-friendly deal and is the favorite to close games when the Lakers go small.

Rookie Dalton Knecht, the 2024 first-round pick, has impressed with his shooting but is still learning the defensive schemes. Redick has said, “We need someone who can guard 2-4 and hit open shots. That’s the job description.”

Power forward is Anthony Davis’ domain, but the Lakers are monitoring his minutes closely. Jarred Vanderbilt, healthy after an injury-plagued 2024, is the favorite to back up both forward spots.

Rui Hachimura, who started 40 games last season, is fighting for a bigger role after a strong playoff run (15.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG). Redick has used Hachimura as a small-ball five in camp, testing his ability to switch onto guards and protect the rim. The staff is also high on second-year forward Maxwell Lewis, who’s bulked up and is shooting 38% from three in camp scrimmages.

At center, Davis will start, but the Lakers are determined to keep him under 32 minutes per game. Jaxson Hayes, re-signed on a two-year deal, is the favorite for backup minutes, but undrafted rookie Colin Castleton has been the surprise of camp—outplaying Hayes in rim protection and short-roll passing.

Redick has also experimented with Vanderbilt and Hachimura at the five in small-ball lineups, a look that could be key against teams like the Warriors and Thunder.

Redick’s biggest challenge is balancing the rotation to maximize LeBron and Davis’ health while developing the young core. In camp, he’s emphasized pace, spacing, and defensive communication.

“We want to play faster, but we can’t sacrifice defense,” he said. “That means everyone has to talk, everyone has to rotate, and everyone has to rebound.”

The bench battles are just as fierce. Jalen Hood-Schifino, last year’s first-round pick, is fighting for backup guard minutes but faces competition from Vincent and Bronny. Knecht and Lewis are battling for the ninth and tenth spots, with the loser likely to spend time in the G League.

The Lakers’ two-way contracts—currently held by Castleton and Alex Fudge—are also in play, with Fudge’s athleticism and defensive versatility making him a dark horse for a roster spot.

Redick is monitoring these battles closely, often stopping scrimmages to point out defensive lapses or missed rotations. “JJ’s attention to detail is next-level,” said Reaves. “He’ll pause a drill to show you how to angle your body on a closeout or how to set a screen to free up a shooter. It’s different from last year—more teaching, more accountability.”

The veterans have bought in. LeBron, entering his 22nd season, has been the first in the gym and the last to leave, setting the tone for the younger players. Davis, healthy and motivated, has been vocal on defense, directing traffic and challenging teammates to match his intensity. “We know what’s at stake,” Davis said. “We have the talent, but we have to earn it every day.”

The Lakers’ 2025 rotation is far from set, but that’s by design. Redick wants competition, wants players to feel the pressure of every practice, every preseason minute. “We’re not handing out anything,” he said. “If you want to play, you have to win your battle.”

As camp continues, the battles for the Lakers’ full rotation will define not just who starts, but who finishes games—and, ultimately, how far this team can go in a loaded Western Conference. For Redick, it’s the first test of his coaching career. For the Lakers, it’s the start of a new era—one where every spot is earned, not given.