2. What Will the Player Rotation Look Like?
Depth will be one of the Lakers strengths this season. They have as many as 13 players on the squad ready to contribute. There are too many possible rotation combinations to count, so it is up to Luke Walton to determine how to best mix and match the roster and to dole out playing time accordingly.
It would seem that he will give the most minutes to James, Ingram and Kuzma. Each can play either forward position. Ingram and James can also play in the backcourt, and Kuzma might see minutes there as well. And as previously mentioned, both LeBron and Kuz may play small-ball center.
Ball, once he’s physically ready, and Rondo will split most of the time at point guard. Might they also play for stretches side-by-side? KCP and Hart figure to split most of the shooting guard minutes. Could they also be on the court together at times?
How and where do veterans Beasley and Stephenson fit in? The former represents a big-time scoring threat, while the latter can be a disruptive force defensively. How many minutes will each play? And with which teammates will each fit best?
What about rookies Wagner and Mykhailiuk? Mo was praised for his outside shooting and intensity. Will he get much opportunity to display those qualities this season once he’s healthy? Svi was a lights-out 3-point threat in college and in Summer League. At what point in the season will he get a chance, and at which teammate’s expense?
As the season progresses we’ll learn if Luke decides to go with a primary set rotation, or if he retains game-to-game flexibility.