As the third week of September arrives, the Los Angeles Lakers still face the same question: who will be the team's fifth starter for the new season? According to Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha, four players have already secured starting spots: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, and Quentin Grimes. Up to six candidates remain for the final spot, but only a few possess genuine starting-caliber ability.

　　With four starters locked in, the fifth spot becomes a six-man competition. Buha noted the team needs a player who can defend multiple positions, including matching up against larger wings and forwards, while also contributing on the defensive glass to support Doncic and Kessler. He listed six potential candidates: Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jarred Vanderbilt, Adou Thiero, and Matisse Thybulle.

　　Vanderbilt, who has lost Coach Redick's trust, may be on the chopping block. Among the six, the 27-year-old Vanderbilt has been with the Lakers the longest and was once viewed as the team's future defensive anchor. However, Buha stated bluntly that head coach JJ Redick lacks confidence in Vanderbilt, which may force the Lakers to look elsewhere. "Vanderbilt has never fully earned Redick's trust. When Redick had a full rotation over the past two seasons, Vanderbilt was either the ninth man or didn't play at all."

　　According to multiple recent reports, the Lakers are actively shopping Vanderbilt but have yet to find a team willing to take on his remaining $25 million contract. Vanderbilt signed a four-year, $48 million deal before the 2023 season, but injuries and inconsistent performance have pushed him nearly out of the rotation. If the Lakers are unwilling to attach draft picks as an incentive, finding a buyer may prove difficult.

　　Williams leads the buzz, with a final decision expected after training camp. As for the other contenders, Mamukelashvili is highly popular among Lakers fans, and his dominant summer performances for the Georgian national team have boosted expectations. However, Buha believes that given defensive concerns when playing alongside Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers will likely bring him off the bench.

　　Buha analyzed that the Lakers may opt for newly signed forward Ziaire Williams. "Williams clearly has a higher ceiling. He has developed into a high-volume three-point shooter, and news of his recent weight gain to 215 pounds makes him a strong candidate," Buha noted.

　　Buha concluded that the final decision for the Lakers' fifth starter is expected to be made after training camp and the preseason. Based on the Lakers' previous pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, the team clearly desires a player with strong two-way ability and athleticism. In terms of pure athleticism, 22-year-old Adou Thiero is the best option, but he is too young and inexperienced to be an immediate contributor. Considering overall two-way impact, NBA experience, and athletic ceiling, Ziaire Williams may be the Lakers' ideal answer.