Three Possible Lakers Starting Line Ups for Opening Night

Sans Russell Lineup

The moving pieces here are rookies Anthony Brown and D’Angelo Russell. By inserting Brown into the starting line up, Bryant is once again allowed to play his original position. Additionally, Brown represents the modern day small forward: a lengthy defender, who can knock down open threes and doesn’t require the ball to score.

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Unlike the first lineup, which will definitely have match up problems at some point in the season, this lineup is more traditional.

Brown’s insertion serves similarly to when the Lakers had Ron Artest or Trevor Ariza in their starting line up. By doing so, it allows Brown to guard the other team’s best player which is ideal for Los Angeles, and Bryant.

It also opens up the lane more for Clarkson which should lead to more open three point attempts.

One reason this lineup currently works is due to back up point guard Marcelo Huertas‘ lingering hamstring injury. Seeing that there is no point guard in the second unit, Russell slides into this role seamlessly. This was clearly shown in his 11 assist outing against Maccabi Haifa.

Once Huertas returns, it is hard to imagine a lineup where both of them play side by side, especially in the second unit.

Next: 'Rest' Lineups