5 Decisions Lakers Still Need To Make This Off-Season

2. Who is the starting small forward opening night?

With the Lakers lack of free agent signings, we’re in a similar position to last season in that there aren’t any true small forwards on the roster. At best, the Lakers could use Kobe Bryant at small forward, but that wouldn’t be a great strategy. There are a couple options to either bring in (Al Farouq Aminu, Evan Turner, or Michael Beasley) or resign (Xavier Henry, Wes Johnson).

While Bryant might see time at the small forward role, I would venture to guess the Lakers won’t look to him as the starter on opening night. Of the options to resign, Henry seems like a logical choice to bring back. In his time on the court, he showed explosiveness and athleticism and a lot of potential. His ability to get to the rim was something the Lakers lacked in previous years.

Of those possible free agents, the Lakers would likely be looking to find someone on a discount. Aminu would be the best defensive option. Given Bryant’s age and declining skill set, the Lakers will need a perimeter defender to cover for Bryant. However, both Turner and Beasley provide much better offensive options, but would come at a higher price.

PREDICTION: Xavier Henry will be your opening day starter.