Projecting the Lakers Rotation for 2013-14
By Jacob Rude
POINT GUARD
Starter – Steve Nash, 28 minutes/game
Backup – Steve Blake, 20 minutes/game
Reserve – Jordan Farmar, 15 minutes/game
March 25, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash (10) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
This year, Steve Nash can’t play the minutes he once did in Phoenix. He never played less than 31 minutes per game in any season with the Suns. However, last year showed that Nash can’t handle the rigor of an 82-game schedule with his nearly 40-year old body. While he’ll be one of the most important Lakers players next season, keeping him fresh for the whole season is most important. The best situation for him would be for Mike D’Antoni and the coaching staff taking an approach a la the Spurs in which they rest their starters for long term gain.
The bench will be especially important this year, and as I’ve predicted before, I could forsee Jordan Farmar overtaking Steve Blake for the back-up point guard role. Farmar’s energy and ability to push the ball will be something D’Antoni will covet and use more than Blake’s slow-down, methodical style. Both will split minutes at point guard and shooting guard, given their three-point shooting ability.