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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) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Brook Lopez plays well in debut
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 08: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against the Sacramento Kings during their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 75-69. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Starting Center: Brook Lopez

The Lakers acquired Brook Lopez from the Brooklyn Nets, along with the No. 27 pick that turned into Kyle Kuzma, before the 2017 NBA Draft. In exchange for Lopez, the Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to Brooklyn.

Like Caldwell-Pope, you do not acquire a player of Lopez’s caliber and not start him. The center spot is Lopez’s and was his the second the trade became official. This is arguably where the Lakers will see their biggest improvement this season.

Lopez is one of the best centers in the NBA, especially offensively. Lopez has a very polished low post game and expanded his offensive repertoire last season. After making only three three-pointers in the first eight seasons of his career. Last season, Lopez knocked down 134 three-pointers.

In just one season Lopez turned himself into arguably the best stretch-5 in the NBA. That was a big reason for the Lakers acquiring him, as he will help space the floor and open things up. While he isn’t a great defender, Lopez will provide the Lakers with solid rim protection.

An argument can be made that Lopez was the best player involved in the trade, and is now the best player on the team. The offense should run through Lopez, as he is a legitimate go-to option offensively.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions For Lakers 2017-18 Season

Lopez will provide great leadership and is a wealth of knowledge for the younger players to rely on. Along with Andrew Bogut, the Lakers have quite a duo at the center spot that will help bring along the young players.

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