The Lakers are 0-0, and the only numbers on the board are old ones. Last season's ratings, this preseason's minutes and the current payroll sheet already outline what JJ Redick has to work with.
Payroll Above Threshold
The Lakers carry $201.3 million in salary, already above the $200.4 million tax threshold and closing on the $209.0 million first apron, with Doncic's $49.8 million, Austin Reaves' $41.2 million and Walker Kessler's $30.2 million leading the sheet. That number means ownership is paying to keep this roster together. It does not mean the front office has room left to add; thin draft capital, including a 2027 first protected to Memphis and a 2029 first owed to Dallas, says the payroll choice already cost future assets.
Minutes Already Climbing
Rui Hachimura is averaging 38.6 minutes over his last ten games, up 9.0 from his season mark, and Luke Kennard has climbed to 32.6, up 9.8. Over his last three games, with a teammate sidelined, Hachimura's minutes jumped again, up 11 a night, and his scoring followed the workload. Those numbers mean Redick trusts both in exhibition minutes with regulars in and out of the lineup. They do not mean either keeps that workload once Kessler, Sexton and the rest return healthy and the rotation settles for real games.
Last Season's Numbers
Last season's Lakers finished 53-29 with a net rating of plus-1.5, built on a 117.0 offense that ranked 10th and a 115.5 defense that ranked 19th. That record says the Doncic-Reaves pairing already won at a high level before training camp opened. It does not say anything about a team now missing LeBron James and adding Kessler, Grimes and Mamukelashvili into the mix, or about a preseason so far at 2-1, with Doncic scoring 21 and 23 points in the two wins.
What is the Lakers' payroll for 2026-27?
The Lakers' payroll is $201.3 million, above the $200.4 million tax threshold, led by Doncic's $49.8 million contract.
How many minutes is Rui Hachimura playing for the Lakers this preseason?
Hachimura has averaged 38.6 minutes over his last ten games, a 9.0-minute jump from his season average, climbing to +11 a night in games where a teammate was out.
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