The Los Angeles Lakers have tried a few different starting lineups, however, which one is the best?
So far this season the Los Angeles Lakers have tried out numerous lineups, but what hasn’t been confirmed is the best possible lineup.
In my humble opinion the best possible lineup includes three prototypical small forwards, one center, and one point guard. In today’s NBA those positions are becoming more and more extinct with players able to do it all. The Lakers have multiple players who can fill all the needed roles in the starting lineup that includes Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, LeBron James, and JaVale McGee.
That to me is the Lakers best possible lineup when Ingram returns. Many will say why is Hart taken out after finally earning that spot? The reason is better defense and a higher ceiling offensively with Ingram in for Hart.
Josh Hart has been so good and this not to take anything away from his excellent start, but as you can see against top teams who can stop the Lakers from fast break opportunities, they need to players who can create their own shots or create for others. Ingram is far ahead in that field compared to Hart. Hart will thrive from playing against second units especially with two super creators in Rondo and Lance whereas Ingram will be able to help settle the starting unit with his calm play-style.
Also defensively I can honestly say Ingram is a better defender than Hart due to his absurd wingspan allowing him to switch on almost every position available. Notice that I did not say closing lineup because during crucial minutes in the fourth the Lakers should throw out the baby death lineup with Lonzo, Hart, Kuz, Ingram and LeBron.
That is the ultimate switch lineup that can also help and recover with enough foot-speed to chase three-point shooters off the line, and offensively that lineup should hopefully go through LeBron and Ingram, with both being great at slashing and kicking out. The other three I mentioned should have a field day behind the arc.
As the season rolls on, we will have to wait and see if this lineup does end up being their best option to start with. However, with the season just starting, Walton will likely continue to change lineups until he finds one that works.