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Los Angeles Lakers: Player rankings position by position

By Jakarri Hamlin

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 17: Thon Maker #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks jumps for the ball against Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the start of the game on March 17, 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. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 17: Thon Maker #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks jumps for the ball against Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the start of the game on March 17, 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. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /
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We take a look at the Los Angeles Lakers roster, ranking the players position by position.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a peculiar problem. We don’t know who our best players are.

We’re a lot better than we’re playing and Luke Walton’s coaching is partly to blame. Youth is not an excuse. It’s hard to win in the NBA without consistency, but it’s hard to be consistent without established roles and priority. In light of this problem, here’s a breakdown of the Lakers roster by position.

Center

1. Brook Lopez
2. Andrew Bogut
Not ranked: Ivica Zubac, Thomas Bryant

The 5 spot is straightforward, at least on paper. Lopez is our best option as a true center and Bogut is a serviceable backup, especially defensively. The issue arises when we ask the question: “do we even need a true 5?”

We do, at least for matchup purposes, but when they aren’t making shots or protecting the rim, neither of these guys should get much time because we have better options. Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. can play the 5 and those guys need minutes. Brook Lopez is good, but how much does he help the Lakers win? It’s unclear.

Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Lakers

Big Wings (PF and SF)

1. Brandon Ingram
2. Kyle Kuzma
3. Julius Randle
4. Larry Nance Jr.
Not ranked: Luol Deng

The 3 and the 4 spots are the Lakers’ most loaded position. The only definitive is that Ingram is a young player that needs to continue developing. Randle plays well, but only plays in spurts. His lack of fundamentals becomes more apparent with more time, so his minutes may be perfect where they are.

The real question is between Kuzma and Nance Jr. Nance Jr. is our best defender, but Kuzma is arguably our best player thus far this season. With Nance Jr. in the lineup, it’s tough for Kuzma to get consistent minutes. It seems backward that our leading scorer and one of our most capable shooters plays behind our glue guy. This needs to be fixed and Luke needs to figure out which pairs work best together.

Some of these guys are capable of playing the 5 or the 2 as well. It’d be nice to see more lineups with Ingram, Kuzma and either Randle or Nance Jr. in together. It’ll make us faster and we’re only good when we’re fast.

Little Wings (SG)

1a. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
1b. Jordan Clarkson
3. Corey Brewer
4. Josh Hart
Not Ranked: Alex Caruso, Vander Blue

This is the Lakers most confident bunch. Clarkson is one of our top scorers and Caldwell-Pope is our best defender at the guard spot. To close games, we rely on both Clarkson’s and Caldwell-Pope’s confidence.

We all want Lonzo Ball to close in the 4th quarter, but sometimes Clarkson and Caldwell-Pope have it going. Luke should go with the hot hand and not be afraid to stick Clarkson at the 1 late in games when we’re struggling to score.

Point Guard

1. Lonzo Ball
Not ranked: Tyler Ennis

Lonzo is all alone here, which is why he’s locked in the starting lineup. His game is special, but to be elite, one needs competitive greatness. So far this season, Lonzo’s effectiveness is determined by his pairing.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers Report Card: First Quarter Grades

Luke has to figure out who compliments whom and adjust accordingly. Lonzo is also a young star, the trick is finding what makes him tick.

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