2. New-look lineup
Just before this went to press, it was announced that the Lakers would be signing guard Avery Bradley. He is an excellent backcourt defender, exactly what the Lakers need. Bradley can play either guard position and is a career 36% 3-point shooter, although he has exceeded that percentage in recent years when he’s been healthy.
There are also reports that James will be the team’s starting point guard. That’s odd for many reasons. First, LeBron has been the de facto PG on every team he’s played. Second, there’s no way he can defend the opposing PG, so the Lakers will have to start some shorter, quicker players anyway. Third, Coach Frank Vogel will certainly want to try various combinations during training camp and the preseason before making definitive lineup decisions.
The best guess here is that the Lakers starting lineup will be LeBron, AD, McGee, Green and Bradley. That would surround the two big stars with a couple of excellent outside shooters and a finisher at the rim.
The second unit would certainly feature the scoring of Kuzma and whatever Cousins can contribute along with some combination of outside shooters. Many players would compete for playing time including Rondo, Caruso, Cook, KCP, Dudley and Daniels. A three-guard lineup wouldn’t be the least bit surprising.
At this point in his career, Rondo is better suited for directing that second unit than he would be for starting. He could be particularly effective in setting up both Kuzma and Cousins.
The offensive closers in a tight game would probably be Davis, James, Kuzma, Green and whoever else is playing the best that particular night.
The Lakers roster now has the enviable depth that will be especially important when inevitable injuries strike. Rookie Talen Horton-Tucker should spend most of the year in the G League and will likely be used only in blowouts.
The Lakers still have one available roster spot remaining. It might be kept open to provide flexibility during the season. Otherwise, it could be used to sign another shooter, such as Kyle Korver if, as expected, he is bought out by Phoenix. Another candidate, particularly if LeBron pushes for him, is Carmelo Anthony, although whether he has anything left in the tank remains to be seen.
A couple of outside possibilities include veteran Jamal Crawford, who is still a good scorer off the bench, and Lance Stephenson, who has his on-court moments and is a fan favorite. The Lakers might also opt for a third-string center. There are many who remain unsigned, including former Lakers Pau Gasol and Tyson Chandler (who may end up with Houston), and Joakim Noah.