Lakers view remaining roster spots as ‘critical’ to team success

Los Angeles, CA - April 07:Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28), right, joins a huddle with teammates before a game against the Oklahoma Thunder at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) While most fans focus on projected starting lineups and ponder whether their stars are good enough, teams have to think about everything from top to bottom.That’s why the Lakers remain focused on finding the best players p