Three Possible Starting 5s for the Lakers On Opening Night

Nash/Bryant/Henry/Boozer/Hill

Assuming full health, this seems like the current odds-on favorite. We saw last season that Nash is most effective starting, when his body is loose and warmed up. Unfortunately, that seems like best case scenario for Nash. If he comes back healthier, then he’s even more likely to get the starting nod.

While Kobe is expected to see big minutes at both the shooting guard and small forward roles, I’d be surprised if he started at small forward. Xavier Henry is the more athletic and bigger framed player and can handle the bigger bodied small forwards.

Down low, the logjam of power forward will create the most variety. Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill would be the best talent of the six possible starters at the two positions, and they make the most sense to start. Hill’s big payday will lead to bigger expectations, while Boozer will be looking to redeem himself following being amnestied.

Overall, this lineup signals the most talent, although forced out of position in some cases. However, it seems like the most likely at the time for the opening day lineup.