The Los Angeles Lakers have upgraded their roster before the trade deadline, acquiring 5 new players via trade this season to round out their lineup for an improbable late-season playoff push.
Even though Russell Westbrook had an awkward fit on the squad, he emerged as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate due to his impact on the Lakers coming off the bench. Losing him means the Lakers no longer have a veteran ball-handler and playmaker leading the bench unit.
Darvin Ham was asked about how the team plans on combatting that issue, and all the coach had to say was that he ‘had some tricks up his sleeve.’
I asked Darvin Ham who he envisions replacing Russell Westbrook as the leader/primary ballhandler of the bench unit now that LeBron is likely back.
He said he has “a few tricks up his sleeve” and that we’ll be surprised when the starters are announced.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 16, 2023
The Lakers announced their starting five for their game against the Pelicans tonight. They’re starting D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, meaning Dennis Schroder is likely going to be the team’s sixth man going forward.
What Is The Best Lineup For The Lakers?
After the Lakers lost to the Portland Trail Blazers, fans were extremely upset about the rotation Ham was running. Jarred Vanderbilt has proven he deserves more minutes, and the same goes for Malik Beasley, so it’s good to see both of those players be rewarded with starting roles.
Schroder, Rui Hachimura, Lonnie Walker, Troy Brown Jr., and Mo Bamba give the Lakers an extremely solid 10-man rotation. In an ideal world, this is the perfect lineup for the Lakers to try and ensure they have their best players sharing the floor as often as possible. The room for error has vanished, and the Lakers need to start playing like their playoffs are starting now to maximize wins to help them cement a playoff spot.
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