Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from first 23 games of season
2. Lineup adjustments
I’m going to lead off this next point by saying I love Kyle Kuzma. I think he has a great feel for the game, he can score in a plethora of ways, and I believe he does deserve to be a starter.
However, for this team, with this roster and the wide array of skill sets that Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka brought in, I think the team would benefit more with him coming off the bench and Josh Hart starting.
Kuzma is more offensive minded and a more ball dominant scorer than Hart. That’s a fact. We don’t need Kuzma spotting up in the corner for wide open 3’s. That’s what Hart should be doing.
Entering tonight’s game, Hart leads the team in catch and shoot 3-point percentage at 41.9 percent, Kuz is shooting 32.7 percent.
When the majority of your minutes are being played with LeBron, you’re going to be doing a lot more spot-up shooting than creating your own shot off the dribble because that’s what LeBron does for you.
So, doesn’t it make sense to put the best spot-up shooter on the team with LeBron and let the guy who thrives on creating his own shot and taking players off the dribble play with the bench squad that is in dire need of an offensive force?
This also gives Kuzma more freedom in the offense with the bench squad, especially once Rajon Rondo is back from injury. He would have a veteran leader to help him get going on offense and find his rhythm right away.
Starting Hart would make us a little bit smaller but that’s not a problem the way Hart defends. He is literally a brick wall on the block. I mean the guy practically convinced David West to “hang it up” last season after West couldn’t score on him in the post.
Watch how he defends the Kings’ Marvin Bagley in these plays (May I remind you, Hart is 6’5″ and Bagley is 6’11”:
The first play, in particular, the Kings ran an iso for Bagley in the post to try and attack the mismatch. Hart stands his ground, Bagley literally tried to back down with four dribbles and moves zero feet before turning it over due to pressure, in which Hart converts into points on the other end.
Starting Hart gives the Lakers the ability to spread the floor with a more consistent spot-up shooter without sacrificing anything on the defensive end. Keep an eye on Hart on defense when they switch and he’s guarding a big man. It’s a beautiful thing to see.