5 Bold Predictions for the 2013-14 Lakers

3. CDR will start opening night

Now we’re getting bold! Anyone who’s read recent articles I’ve written or checked us out on Twitter knows that I’m really high on Chris Douglas-Roberts. He’s a young player, but has a veteran-like game. While he’s not even on the roster yet, given the amnestying of Metta World Peace and the state of the Lakers roster, I’d suffice to say it’s not that inconceivable that CDR be the opening night starter.

Right now, the Lakers have no natural small forward on the team. Nick Young is currently penciled in as the opening night starter, but according to 82games.com, Young played just 3% of the 76ers total minutes at small forward last year. Enter CDR. While he doesn’t bring the outside shooting you might like defensively, he brings just about everything else to the table. He’s relaxed and let’s the game come to him, rarely forcing things. His ability to get to the rim and score may only be matched by Nash and Young on the Lakers right now. And for those who watched the Lakers summer league, he’s an underrated passer and knows where the open man is when he draws double teams on the drive. Pair all that up and I think you could have a starting small forward opening night for the Lakers.