Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting the starting lineup for the season

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: The Los Angeles Lakers stand for the National Anthem before a preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: The Los Angeles Lakers stand for the National Anthem before a preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Starting Power Forward: Kyle Kuzma

Power forward is the toughest position to predict who will be the starter at. There are three legitimate options in Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and Kyle Kuzma. All have a strong case to be the starter, but we are predicting that Kuzma is the one that will end up starting the most games.

One reason Kuzma fits is that of his ability to stretch the floor. Three-point shooting was a weak spot last season for the Lakers, and Kuzma has shown he can knock them down with some consistency. Randle and Nance Jr. do not have the offensive talent that Kuzma possesses.

The Lakers should have no problem scoring the ball this season, but Kuzma is a natural fit alongside the other players in this lineup. Nance Jr. is a better fit off the bench as he can play three positions in the frontcourt.

Arguably Randle’s best attribute, his ability to take a rebound and go, is negated with Ball, who will be the main ball handler for the Lakers. That skill set would play better off the bench, where the Lakers have only Tyler Ennis as a ball handler.

Randle looked to be locked into this spot coming into the offseason, but Kuzma has played too well to not get consideration. Kuzma has earned a chance to run with the first team, and his skill set is a good fit.

Part of the reasoning behind this selection is also Randle’s uncertain future. The Lakers and Randle did not come to an agreement on a contract extension, so he will be a restricted free agent next summer. Could the Lakers end up trading him to move one of their bigger contracts in Luol Deng or Jordan Clarkson to make more cap room?

We will have to wait and see, but we believe Kuzma will be the starting power forward at some point in Los Angeles.

Home/Lakers News