The Los Angeles Lakers signed a number of elite role players this off-season, and they have one of the most versatile rosters in the league. There is no doubt that the team has a number of different lineups that they can start, all with different purposes.
This season, the only two mainstays in the Los Angeles Lakers lineups are likely LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as they are the superstars on the team. If there was a third player who is likely to stay in the starting lineup, it is Austin Reaves, with the guard notably having a breakout in the playoffs. With all that in mind, here are the three elite starting lineups the Los Angeles Lakers can create with their current roster.
Lineup No. 1
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis
This lineup would likely be the best offensive lineup that the team could field. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves have already shown that they can be elite complementary players on that end of the floor next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the duo would provide a mix of spacing, ballhandling, and playmaking for the team. Obviously, they would allow LeBron James to play more off-ball, which will allow him to conserve energy for the postseason.
Anthony Davis at the center position is obviously optimal for offensive purposes as well, and he would also be the defensive anchor in this hypothetical lineup. He has shown that he can play center consistently this year, and when surrounded by four capable shooters in this lineup, he would be able to thrive.
Rui Hachimura would start at the PF position in this scenario, and there’s no doubt that he offers a lot of versatility. He is a capable midrange scorer, and the team clearly believes in what he provides, re-signing him on a three-year, $51 million deal this offseason. Adding another wing-sized shot-creator would be a boon for the team, and his frame could allow him to be a big-time player in the fourth quarter.
On top of being good offensively, this lineup would have good size as well, with no player being below 6’5. That obviously matters, but it is clear that this version of the team still has defensive liabilities as well. Though offense is key in the modern era, defense ultimately matters when winning championships.
Lineup No. 2
PG: Gabe Vincent
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Anthony Davis
This lineup is obviously a defensive-minded lineup. After all, defense is what wins championships, and that end of the floor has clearly been an emphasis for the team under coach Darvin Ham.
Jarred Vanderbilt takes Rui Hachimura’s place here at the PF position. Though he is a limited offensive player, the other four players in this lineup should be able to cover for his deficiencies on that end of the floor. Vanderbilt brings multi-positional defense, rebounding, and rim finishing, all of which are valuable qualities. We saw his length bother Stephen Curry during the Los Angeles Lakers’ series against the Warriors, and perhaps he could be in the starting lineup when the situation is favorable to him.
Gabe Vincent starts at the point guard position here, and he is likely the team’s best defensive option at the guard position. He has shown that he can defend well for his size with the Miami Heat, and offensively, he can provide some spacing and play without the ball as well. This lineup wouldn’t really have him be outside of his comfort zone offensively, and Vincent would be able to play his perfect role.
This could quite possibly be the team’s best defensive lineup, but the question is about whether they can survive offensively. Though LeBron James and Anthony Davis will get the team a lot of open looks overall, it remains to be seen if Vincent and Vanderbilt will ever be the sort of threats that punish teams for leaving them open consistently.
Lineup No. 3
PG: Gabe Vincent
SG: D’Angelo Russell
SF: Austin Reaves
PF: LeBron James
C: Anthony Davis
If the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to go ultra-small, they would have the personnel to be able to do so. This three-guard lineup would likely be used in some closing situations, but perhaps we could see the team start these players in certain matchups where small-ball is advantageous.
Gabe Vincent, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be an interesting move. Three-guard lineups often struggle in terms of rebounding, and that would quite likely be the case here. However, the presence of Anthony Davis could offset some of that.
The main argument here would be the spacing and the shooting that this lineup would provide. Having Vincent as one’s 5th option could be enticing. In theory, this lineup would give LeBron James and Anthony Davis easier looks at the rim. However, this lineup doesn’t necessarily have the defense or consistent shot creation, which is key when winning championships.
The Los Angeles Lakers Can Be Dangerous In A Number Of Ways
There is no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers have assembled a roster that has players with varied skill sets, and that could allow Darvin Ham to tinker with the starting lineup. There is a chance that the starting lineup could change from night to night as well, depending on the matchup at play.
It will be interesting to see what the Los Angeles Lakers decide to do going into next season. It could change if they decide to sign someone like Christian Wood as well, but if the team stays put, then these are the best three lineups that the team can field, and we’ll see what happens in the future.
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