4. Better Team Defense- Reason 2
The “small-ball” lineup concept was popularized by the Golden State Warriors. Walton, of course, coached there under Steve Kerr and brought it with him to the Lakers. The number one defensive advantage of such a scheme is that all players switch men when a teammate is screened. It is an exciting and effective defense… if a team has the right personnel to play it.
Small ball worked pretty well during Walton’s first two years with the Lakers. But the problem this year was that without either Julius Randle or Larry Nance Jr, there weren’t any other players on the roster able or willing to play efficiently as the small ball center.
So, management wisely moved in a different direction and acquired veteran Tyson Chandler, who has combined with JaVale McGee to provide two solid, traditional defensive centers who help plug up the defensive middle. Walton now only uses small-ball occasionally when he feels the need to try to shake things up.