Lakers: What Luke Walton’s Lineup Changes Could Look Like

Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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See what Nance can do

Dec 20, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) stands on the court in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Lakers 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) stands on the court in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Lakers 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the regular season, there were questions raised about who would start at power forward for the Lakers. Not only because Larry Nance Jr. looked really good at summer league and in training camp, but because no one really knew what to expect of Julius Randle.

Was his jump shot going to start falling this year? Does he have a right hand? Will he make smarter decisions with the ball? The short answer to those questions is simply “Yeah, I guess.”

Randle started the season strong, even notching a triple-double making him one of seven players to record a triple-double this season. However, it looks as though another losing season has fatigued him and Randle doesn’t look like the same player we were all so excited about to start the season.

Nance on the other hand, looks ready to bring it every night. That, and he’s arguably a more polished player than Randle is right now. Yes, Randle might have a higher ceiling, but Nance has earned the right to start for the Lake Show. The little things he does on the court don’t always show up in box score, but his high energy effort and basketball IQ are unmatched by anyone on the Lakers’ roster.

The little things Nance does on the court don’t always show up in the box score, but his high energy effort and basketball IQ are unmatched by anyone on the Lakers’ roster. If Walton decides to give him the starting nod, not too many people would be outraged.

Next: The rooks getting things going

But what do you guys think? Is this the shake up the Lakers need? Is there anyone else that deserves a spot in the first unit? Let us know in the comments below!

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