![]() Ariza can deal with power forwards more adeptly. Bazemore is not as lengthy as Ariza, but he's a slightly better three-point shooter and can switch onto guards more easily. In that case, I can see Vogel sliding Ariza into the starting lineup for his 3-and-D abilities, though I wouldn't rule out Bazemore getting a shot in certain matchups. On paper, the Lakers' best starting lineup features Davis at the 5 and James at the 4, with Dwight as the backup and Jordan as down-bench insurance for Howard.ĭ’Angelo Russell makes bold choice with new Lakers contract This is assuming Davis starts at center, which seems increasingly logical with the floor-spacing Gasol heading back to Spain. Power Forward: LeBron James, Ariza, Carmelo AnthonyĬenter: Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan Small Forward: Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, Horton-Tucker Whoever shoots better between the two of them may end up as the starting 2. Monk will get his chances, too, though the rest of his game is a bit less polished than Ellington. “I just bring my strengths to the game, whether it’s at the 1 or the 2. “I’m a point guard, combo guard, however you want to call it in today’s game,” Nunn said. Nunn is a true combo guard who can provide a scoring punch from the two-spot in certain lineups. Horton-Tucker might emerge as the team's fourth-best player, though I can see him getting more run at the 3, where the Lakers are a bit thinner. He mentioned (not surprisingly) Rip Hamilton, Reggie Miller, and Ray Allen as inspirations, and believes his ability to create space for LeBron, Russ, and AD can be just as important to the Lakers as hitting 3s: /2VbDZYIePD ![]() I asked Wayne Ellington about his elite off-ball movement. Ellington is the team's best pure sniper and off-ball mover, and they'll need his spacing in lineups with Russ, LeBron, and Davis. I could see Ellington beginning the season in the starting lineup, yet also dropping out of the rotation at times if he doesn't shoot well. Shooting Guard: Wayne Ellington, Talen Horton-Tucker, Nunn, Malik Monk The Lakers will likely stagger lineups to always have either LeBron or Russ on the floor, and James will be the primary orchestrator when he's out there without Westbrook. If so, Nunn - the team's fifth-highest paid player who has averaged 15.1 PPG over his two NBA seasons - can handle primary backup duties for much of the regular season. The veteran will still offer immense value in the film room and, at this stage of his career, might be better off saving his legs (and best basketball) for the playoffs. ![]() Understanding that I'm not going to be playing as much as I would like, or possibly want to, but at the same time being a mentor for young guys… just doing what I do best.” Obviously, we have a lot of depth at the point guard position. “Just being ready when my number is called. “They have talked to me about roles with this team, and what they look forward to me bringing to the team this year, versus the past couple of seasons.” Rondo said on the Mason & Ireland show. The biggest question is - how much will Rondo play, at least during the regular season? Obviously, Westbrook is slotted in at No. Point Guard: Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Rajon Rondo Let's use this moment to catch our breath and project what the Lakers' depth chart could look like. 3, and the regular season tips off on Oct. The team still has two roster spots to fill, though they will reportedly keep at least one open for a midseason buyout addition. Everybody on the active roster has a case to be in Frank Vogel's rotation. They're also one of the deepest and most versatile. Los Angeles is the oldest and most accomplished team in the NBA. ![]() Remarkably, after the departure of Marc Gasol, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker look like they'll be the only returning pieces from last season, barring a belated re-signing of Wesley Matthews (which would be smart, by the way). The 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers roster is, finally, nearly complete. ![]()
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