Lakers: Two New Starters Tonight Against Pelicans

After 20 games through the Laker season, the starting line up has changed.  The last change occured when Ed Davis started in place of Carlos Boozer, who was out with a shoulder injury.  This time, it’s about trying to manufacture team chemistry, and result with wins.

Ronnie Price and Ed Davis got moved into the Lakers’ starting lineup.

This isn’t the first time Jeremy Lin has been put on the bench.

Lin is a solid point guard with talent.  His attacking style is reminiscent of shooting guards with outright slashing ability.  Why not?  He finishes well in the paint.

Unfortunately, that style doesn’t always work best with another great shot creator.  It didn’t work next to Carmelo Anthony.  It didn’t work next to James Harden.  Now, it’s not working alongside Kobe Bryant.  However, it must be said that Lin did a tremendous job in Houston coming off the bench.

Last year in the playoffs against the Trailblazers, he did well.

He averaged 11.3 points per game on 41% from the field, along with 4.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds in just under 30 minutes per game.

There is an eerie similarity with Price and Bryant in the backcourt.  It’s not much different with Beverley and Harden starting with Jeremy Lin coming off the bench for the Rockets last season.  Like Beverley, Price is a more defensive-oriented point guard that will play more physically.

"Scott said that inserting Price and Davis is an attempt to “match up personalities,” as he hopes both players’ energy and defensive approach will be contagious for the rest of the starting five. – Joey Ramirez"

Ed Davis gets his second start of the season.  The key to keeping him in the ball game is simply staying out of foul trouble.  While Price is a defensive-oriented point guard, Ed Davis’s defense is more impactful.  His presence is felt in terms of rebounding and weakside shotblocking.

This adds more length to the Laker front line.  It also allows Jordan Hill to play his normal position, power forward.  While he has been playing well of late, he has been getting outpowered by bigger players, compensating with energy and athleticism.

Tonight is a test to see if a lineup change will spark something new for the Laker roster.

Otherwise, the issues may be worse than what’s on the surface.