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Los Angeles Lakers: Rotation changes to make to beat Houston

By Joel Lorenzi

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)
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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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Minimize Javale McGee’s time, keep Dwight Howard off the floor

Javale McGee suffered an injury as well during Game 2. But with him, it feels like if he was healthy, Vogel wouldn’t hesitate to play him 10-15 minutes the rest of the series.

McGee hasn’t been good enough all postseason, but if there is any series where you deny him playing time, this is it. Perhaps continue to start McGee and get him his few minutes early, but following that stint, it’s important to stay small(er) down the stretch against Houston.

With the Rockets’ rotation consisting mostly of guards and forwards, they have been able to disrupt offenses with their ability to switch so easily this postseason. It has worked fairly well against the Lakers, so it’s best that the Lakers keep it (mostly) small, and have Davis be the only big that sees the floor so often.

On the other end, the Rockets are one of the best shooting teams in the league and have a number of guys that can drill multiple threes a game. With great shooting teams like this, it’s best that the Lakers play lineups that can switch often.

The same that can be said about McGee can be said about Dwight Howard. Lineups that don’t feature McGee and Howard are lineups that can effectively switch more often than not.

The Lakers are -11 when playing the two big men. It’s better that they adapt to the times, at least for this series.

Play Markieff Morris more

Morris had a forgettable outing with his one FG attempt in 9 minutes during Game 1. He was mostly out there as a body that could switch if necessary. However, in Game 2 he shined, scoring 16 points in 22 minutes while shooting 75% from the field.

Next. 5 lessons from Game 2 victory. dark

Morris is a guy that can put up multiple threes in a game given the reps. Is he streaky? Sure. But when he’s on, he’s on. He’s worth playing at least 15 minutes a game to see if he can get going, and at 6’8 he remains mobile on defense.

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