Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Players who need to step up with Brook Lopez out

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives on Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at Staples Center on December 18, 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: Draymond Green Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

– Andrew Bogut

One player that will likely see more time on the court with Lopez out is Andrew Bogut. Late this offseason, Bogut was signed by the Lakers in a surprising move. Despite some contenders being interested in him, Bogut actually chose the Lakers.

So far this season, Bogut hasn’t seen a ton of playing time. Only in certain situations have the Lakers gone big with him off the bench to replace Lopez. Generally, head coach Luke Walton has preferred to go with smaller lineups with Julius Randle at center.

Now that Lopez is out, it could be Bogut who slides in as the starting center. Considering that Lopez has only been playing about 20 minutes per game, Bogut is certainly capable of just stepping into that role.

While Bogut is a true center like Lopez, their games are very different. On the offensive end, Bogut is more a passer and screen setter, as he will very rarely look for his shot. Even though Lopez has performed well defensively this season, Bogut is an upgrade on that end of the court. It will be interesting to see how Walton makes his rotations and lineups with Lopez out. However, having a veteran like Bogut as a backup is a very good option to turn to.

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