Three Possible Lakers Starting Line Ups for Opening Night

Oct 13, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and coach Byron Scott react during the game against the Sacramento Kings at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers are five games into the preseason and head coach Bryon Scott has yet to give fans a concrete look at what he feels will be the starting line up come Opening Night. This is mainly due to D’Angelo Russell‘s injury but also because the Lakers have so many players on their roster.

One thing that should be noted is that the production from the starters has been erratic with every unit seen thus far.

Sometimes they hustle on the defensive end of the floor which leads to easy buckets in transition and early leads. Other nights they let opposing point guards run freely on them and are forced to run their attempt at the Princeton Offense.

It is getting to the point where the, “It’s only preseason,” excuse begins to have less and less meaning. Preseason is the time for players and teams to round into shape, get acquainted to roles, and figure it out.

Currently, the Lakers seem to be miles away from accomplishing any of these things.

That said, here’s a quick look at three possible Lakers starting line ups for Opening Night.

Next: First Preseason Game Line Up

First Preseason Game Line Up

Coming into the season, this was what the expected line up was going to be: D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson in the back court, with Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle and Roy Hibbert in the front. This lineup was able to start two games together, and while they showed flashes, they have plenty of room for improvement.

An impressive quality this line up features is the dual play making ability from Russell and Clarkson. The Princeton Offense is known for being two point guard friendly. Each point guard has a different skill set which makes this starting unit that much more dynamic.

With Russell running the point, defenders off ball can’t relax because if they do Russell will always find the open man. Having Clarkson at the helm opens up another dimension of the offense on account of his slashing, paired with his ability to drive and dish.

Another encouraging sign about this lineup is the connection that Hibbert and Randle are beginning to develop on both ends of the floor. Through five games, both have demonstrated their underrated passing ability. Though not yet on the Pau Gasol level, the potential for greatness is there.

Next: Sans Russell Lineup

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.

More from Lakers News

• Darvin Ham adds to Max Christie hype train after Lakers preseason opener
• Is LeBron James playing tonight? Latest Lakers vs Warriors update
• Can Darvin Ham put all of the Lakers puzzle pieces together?
• Lakers news: Darvin Ham knows his fifth starter, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino praise
• Michael Malone’s painfully ironic comment has Lakers fans heated

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

“Rest” Lineups 

The least likely of the three lineups involves moving Brandon Bass into the starting lineup and bringing Randle off the bench. Depending on how Randle reacts to the grit and grind of the NBA season, especially back to back games, it is likely that this change is made at least once.

So far, Bass has been unimpressive coming off the bench so late in games. This makes sense seeing that he averaged around 28 minutes a game during his time on the Boston Celtics. Bass is used to a starting or sixth man role, so adjusting to coming off the bench will take time to get used to.

In a starting role, Bass provides an immediate 10 point, 5 rebound threat which is ideal considering Hibbert’s offensive limitations. His jumpshot is also an upgrade over Randle’s current work in progress, which should allow for this line up to spread the floor more.

Whether in four games, three nights or back to back situations, Bryon Scott is going to assuredly have to rest Bryant at some point during the season. Anthony Brown could slide into this role, but it is more likely that Nick Young takes Bryant’s spot in the starting line up.

Though nearly nonexistent on defense, Young provides the young Lakers’ line up with some instant offense. In limited minutes, Young is still averaging 9.6 shot attempts a game.

What do you think should be the Lakers’ starting line up on Opening Night? Let us know below!

Next: Does Byron Scott Dislike Robert Upshaw?