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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who should be axed from the playoff rotation

By Jason Reed

PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 07: Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after his three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on May 07, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 07: Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after his three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on May 07, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Markieff Morris

I am a big fan of Markieff Morris and I want to see him play a role in some capacity for the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs. Realistically, he will likely only see 6-8 minutes per game and be reserved for the mop-up squad. He will likely not be a part of the legitimate rotation in the playoffs.

The reason being is that there simply are not enough minutes to go around and there are so many people ahead of him in the depth chart. Morris saw his playing time go way up with LeBron and AD out and those two returning to the frontcourt is already going to cause a big dip in his playing time.

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There is also the addition of Andre Drummond at the center position with both Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell behind him. Gasol is playing much better than he was earlier in the season and it will be interesting to see how Frank Vogel juggles the three centers in the playoffs. It could include playing Harrell at the four occasionally with a stretch five like Gasol or Davis, which has always felt like the right role for him.

Throw in Kyle Kuzma as a wing and there are six players that are fighting for minutes ahead of Morris. While he was great for the Lakers in the playoffs last year, it is hard to see him getting consistent playing time unless someone ahead of him gets hurt or plays terribly.

That could happen, although we obviously do not want it to. Gasol could revert back to his early-season form or Harrell’s defense could yet again get exposed by someone such as Nikola Jokic.

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