1. Who Will Play Center?
“Positionless” basketball has become a vogue concept. And it’s true that many Laker players are able to man multiple positions. But regardless of how it is labeled, some Laker will have to guard the other team’s biggest player and be able to defend close to the basket.
It appears that McGee will line up as the starting center. He is very good at converting lob passes into dunks, and his leaping ability enables him to block some shots.
But there are reasons that the Lakers are the fifth team McGee has played for in the last six years, and why he hasn’t averaged more than 16 minutes per game in that time span. To begin with, he has a limited offensive repertoire. Also, at best he is an average man defender. So it is not realistic to expect too much from him this season.
Zubac is the likely big-man back-up. He slumped badly in his second season last year after having an impressive rookie year. His body looks more toned, and he played well this summer in Europe, but it remains to be seen how productive he can be for the Lakers this year.
Wagner will be given an opportunity once a contusion he suffered this summer heals. But it will likely take time for the rookie to adjust to the NBA, especially defensively.
Luke Walton will try several “small-ball” centers, including James, Kuzma and possibly Beasley. While this strategy will create mismatches for an opposing center, each may struggle on defense.
It is no secret that the center position is the Lakers weakest link. It will take time for them to determine how to best fill the man-in-the-middle role.