The Lakers starting line up situation is curious to say the least
The Los Angeles Lakers have won three straight games. Yes, you read that correctly, but as much as Byron Scott fanatics, however few, will use this to argue Scott’s rightful position at the helm, many other factors have to be considered.
First and foremost, the Lakers last three opponents are a combined 33-73. Translation, aside from the eighth place Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns are bottom feeders.
Additionally, Byron Scott is still mismanaging minutes, as demonstrated by his allowance of a 38 point lead to nearly disintegrate late Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers starting line up situation is curious to say the least, and it is only further complicated by the fact that Kobe Bryant‘s playing status has regularly become a game time decision.
When Kobe plays, Scott has grown fond of the Jordan Clarkson-Lou Williams-Kobe Bryant-Larry Nance Jr.–Roy Hibbert starting unit. That said, this unit posts a -4.2 when playing together, which is actually one of the Lakers worst lineups.
With Kobe sitting, Scott ironically opts to insert rookie Anthony Brown into his place, a player who couldn’t crack Scott’s rotation beforehand. Though a small sample size, this unit posts a +4.7.
The Lakers have a ton of pieces that if utilized correctly, could prove formidable so let’s look at some realistic lineups the Lakers should try starting, or at least be using more of.
Next: Youth Movement in Full Effect
Russell-Clarkson-Brown-Randle-Nance Jr.
If the Lakers are serious about their youth movement at some point in the season, this lineup must be given a chance to show what they can do. Whether starting or off the bench it makes no difference.
If you think that this season is about winning games, you are dead wrong. By now, it should be readily apparent that player development is the key to a better tomorrow for the Lakers. That said, this lineup will give fans a glimpse at what the future could hold for the Purple and Gold.
Looking over the game logs, to date, Byron Scott has rarely used the duo of Larry Nance Jr. and Julius Randle together, and as absurd as it sounds, he is currently even considering playing Nance Jr. at the small forward spot.
Scott considering playing Nance Jr at 3 and Randle at 4. Maybe Nance Jr at 4 and Randle at 5. But Scott leaning toward 3 and 4 option
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 4, 2016
In a league that continues to trend towards small ball, to buck the growing fad and do the exact opposite, is a confusing proposition. Scott has consistently shown his inclination to play Nance Jr. at the four and Brandon Bass at the five, so why not do the same substituting Randle for Bass?
Nance Jr playing small forward however, is a disaster waiting to happen. Yes, he’s an athletic monster but his lack of a jump shot, especially from behind the three-point line, would kill any spacing this lineup might have. Also, asking him to guard small forwards, who these days, are actually often shooting guards, would prove detrimental to his growth in the long run.
That said, bringing Russell back into the starting line up, along side Clarkson and Anthony Brown, who are improved shooters, allows for more spacing, which ultimately means more room for Russell/Clarkson and Nance Jr./Randle pick-and-roll.
Next: Slide Bass Back Into the Starting Unit
Russell-Clarkson-Kobe-Bass-Hibbert
If you dive into the annals of Lake Show Life, you will find that this was the lineup I initially thought could pay dividends for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Brandon Bass has struggled so far while playing in the Purple and Gold but now that he has gotten used to his bench role, is starting to show flashes of why he was so loved in Boston. What Bass lacks in height, he makes up in strength, athleticism, and hustle, which makes him a perfect piece to be inserted into this lineup which often lacks all three.
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Despite starting zero games this season, Bass would be comfortable being reinserted into a starting role seeing that he started for the Celtics for the majority of his time there. In actuality, though this unit has played sparingly together, and I mean extremely sparingly, they have posted a +9.
Bass has proven in years past that he has a decent midrange jumpshot and works nicely in the pick-and-roll which will allow for more spacing.
Additionally, if used correctly, playing Kobe at the three allows for more playmaking from the pinch post which is something the Lakers are desperately lacking.
By keeping Hibbert in the mix, Brandon Bass won’t have to be relied on as the key rim protector and can instead realign his focus to what made him successful in Boston.
Next: Most Realistic Starting Unit
Russell-Bryant-Brown-Nance Jr-Hibbert
Currently, the Nance Jr-Hibbert experiment has proved effective and should be given longer to see if it can be kept up. The same can be said about Anthony Brown.
Since he has been given so little playing time, it hasn’t been determined whether or not he should be relied on to be the next 3-and-D player the Lakers have been looking for but he should at least be given a shot.
The one common denominator in all of these lineups is D’Angelo Russell who absolutely must be starting for the Lakers. Unlike Julius Randle, or even Jordan Clarkson, who can come off the bench and provide a spark, Russell must be relied on as the primary ball handler and play maker or picking him second overall was a complete and utter waste.
In regards to Clarkson, similar to the situation Victor Oladipo currently finds himself in with the Orlando Magic, the second year guard could be moved to a six man role, the first man off the bench for Kobe Bryant, and provide instant energy, allowing the Lakers to throw different looks at their opponents.
Though Kobe’s spot should be filled by another player, realistically that’s not going to happen, but having three defensive minded players in the front court in Brown-Nance Jr-Hibbert, could be a good attempt at masking his defensive inefficiencies.
Anthony Brown’s long range shooting, and Nance Jr.’s increased range and pick-and-roll ability make this lineup one that should be featured at some point in this season.
Next: Lakers Road to Relevance: Player Development
Though it’s doubtful any of this happens with Byron Scott as head coach, the front office would be wise to give these lineups a shot before the season’s end.