3. Depth
Head coach Luke Walton wants to play an up-tempo, fast-paced game. To accomplish that effectively, a coach needs to be able to substitute freely. Fortunately, Walton has the luxury of doing so with a very deep team.
Whether they start or come off the bench, the Lakers hope to count on young veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and experienced vets Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley to provide firepower, leadership, defensive intensity and pure scoring.
Against bigger centers, third-year big man Ivica Zubac should get an opportunity to prove he deserves NBA minutes. Rookie Svi Mykhailiuk might be the team’s best 3-point shooter, while first-round draft pick Moritz Wagner will get playing time once he recovers from a minor injury.
Add these eight Lakers to the five previously mentioned, and Luke can choose from 13 players with various strengths and abilities. In deeper reserve, especially when inevitable injuries occur, are rookie Isaac Bonga and two-way players Travis Wear and Alex Caruso.
Overall, the Lakers depth should rival or exceed that of any other NBA team, and will one of their strengths this year.