Los Angeles Lakers: An early look at the 9-man playoff rotation

JaVale McGee

While JaVale has not reached the heights of last season, he is still an extremely valuable piece to the Lakers puzzle.

The former Shaqtin the Fool MVP over the last number of years has put together an impressive resume.

Having been part of two title-winning sides with Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, McGee then made a move to the Lakers and was a great rim protector and lob threat for the Lakers last season.

While McGee has seen his role lessened due to the arrival of Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard, he is still capable of putting up huge rebounding numbers and getting numerous blocks a night.

Watching McGee around the rim is a rare phenomenon. If you give McGee an inch he seems to be able to dunk the ball from any angle. He could be under the rim fading away and he still seems to manage to slam the ball down with bad intentions.

If JaVale’s skill matched his athleticism then we would have another multiple-time All-Star, unfortunately, McGee is what he is and that is perfectly ok for what the Lakers need from him.

McGee’s jobs are to roll off of screens and slam the ball down, to run the floor with speed and finish on the fast break and to protect the rim. McGee does all of these at an above-average rate much to the delight of the Lakers staff and fans.

While young must not expect McGee to be the X-Factor come playoff time, he will be a very solid contributor who will get some key rebounds and make some very important blocks.

Having won 2 championships with the Warriors, JaVale knows what is needed to win at the highest level.

His experience, athleticism, and energy will be important and here is hoping he does a good job.

If the Lakers make trades or make moves in the buyout market then we can expect this list to change but for now, here is hoping this is the group of players who will lead the purple and gold to another Larry O’Brien trophy.