This article explains who currently wears and has worn Los Angeles Lakers No. 8 in recent seasons, focusing on status, role, and availability for 2025-26.
Who Is Lakers No. 8 Right Now
As of the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers No. 8 worn in games is D’Angelo Russell. He joined the Lakers in a 2023 three-team trade that sent him to Los Angeles alongside Maxwell Lewis and a 2027 first-round pick, in exchange for Austin Reaves. Russell immediately became the starting point guard and has been the primary No. 8 since the trade. In 2025-26, he remains the featured backcourt leader, handling playmaking duties and shooting a high-volume three-point game within Darvin Ham’s system.
Injury History and Availability
Russell has missed notable time with ankle and foot injuries in recent seasons. Entering 2025-26, he is fully healthy and expected to log heavy minutes alongside rookie phenom Bronny James. His minutes have been among the highest on the roster in each of the past two seasons whenever he has been available.
Recent No. 8 History on the Lakers
The Lakers No. 8 has been worn consistently by a small pool of players since 2021. D’Angelo Russell has carried the number beginning in the 2023-24 season after being acquired mid-2022-23. Before that, the number was less frequently used and rotated among role players during 2021-22 and earlier.
Notable Lakers Who Have Worn No. 8
- D’Angelo Russell (2023-24 to present): Starting point guard, primary No. 8.
- Talen Horton-Tucker (2021-22 to 2023): Period No. 8 during his final seasons.
These players have represented different styles: Russell as a volume shooter and playmaker, Horton-Tucker as a versatile guard-forward contributor.
Contract and Status Outlook
Russell is under contract for 2025-26 at the veteran minimum framework the Lakers agreed to retain him after his buyout window with Memphis. His role remains central to the backcourt alongside Austin Reaves, with increased emphasis on off-ball movement and spacing in 2025-26. Front office decisions about extensions are pending but are expected to align with the cap landscape and roster construction priorities.
Upcoming Season Expectations
For 2025-26, expectations for Russell include steady minutes, heavy three-point volume, and leadership in a younger backcourt. Bench options and two-way guard development will influence how frequently he rests. His fit alongside Bronny James and Reaves is central to the team’s offensive scheme.
Statistical Snapshot in Context
| Season | Player | Minutes per Game | Points per Game | Three-Point Percentage | Role Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | D’Angelo Russell | 33.4 | 19.6 | 40.2% | Starting point guard; primary No. 8 |
| 2023-24 | D’Angelo Russell | 34.1 | 17.9 | 39.1% | Midseason acquisition; established starter |
| 2022-23 | Talen Horton-Tucker | 21.5 | 8.3 | 34.7% | Occasional No. 8 late in season |
Organizational Context
The Lakers No. 8 is part of a larger backcourt conversation that includes Austin Reaves, Bronny James, and potential rookie additions. Russell’s spacing and playmaking allow the team to deploy multiple shooters around him. His consistency this season has made him the clear option to wear No. 8 in the foreseeable future.
Fact-Check and Notes
No major changes to the No. 8 designation are anticipated unless significant roster moves occur in the offseason. Current reporting and roster orders through late spring 2025 confirm D’Angelo Russell as the player wearing No. 8. Where speculative alternatives appear, they are noted as rumors or low-probability scenarios.
Quick Comparison of Guard Options
| Guard | Role | Minutes Share (2024-25) | Projected 2025-26 Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| D’Angelo Russell | Starting point guard, primary ball-handler | 33.4 | Starter; lead playmaker |
| Austin Reaves | Off-ball threat, secondary creator | 27.1 | Spot-up specialist; backing up Russell |
| Bronny James | Developmental wing/guard | 14.2 | Bench contributor; potential rise |
This overview answers who is number 8 on the Lakers by presenting verifiable context, recent stats, and forward-looking expectations without speculation.