Los Angeles Lakers: Rotation changes to make to beat Houston

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Dion Waiters #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Give Dion Waiters actual minutes

Dion Waiters was acquired in early March as a guy that could come in and knock down a fair amount of shots, but moreover, create shots for himself. Vogel hasn’t had much faith in him since the playoffs have begun.

Often times when Vogel actually allows him minutes, Waiters is cold after being long removed from the floor. Before Rondo returned, this is the guy that should’ve led the second unit.

Despite his wacky decision making and shot selection at times, the underlying thing he provides is the ability to get a bucket off the bounce, which is what this team mostly lacks.

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He isn’t the greatest defender, but the Lakers have picked up some bad defensive habits in the bubble as a team, and it’s safe to say that hardly anybody has played their best defense in this group. It wouldn’t hurt to spot Waiters 8-12 minutes and see how much he can accomplish.

Of course, he got injured last game, but if he manages to find himself game ready before the series ends, I’d give him a few more minutes than usual if Rondo does find himself struggling like in Game 1.

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