Los Angeles Lakers: 3 position battles heading into the playoffs

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball as Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball as Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Heading towards the postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have more question marks than any other squad in the league.

  • Will LeBron James be ready for round 1?
  • Is Anthony Davis 100 percent?
  • How will newcomers Andre Drummond and Ben McLemore perform on the big stage?

Outside of the headline-making issues, Frank Vogel has to consider which players will start, who will come off the bench, and who will see limited spot duty.

There are definitely some position battles to watch on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dennis Schroder has started every game he’s been available this season. Still, Alex Caruso’s defensive ability and fit with the starting unit have raised questions about which point guard should open next to LBJ and AD for the Lakers.

Montrezl Harrell won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season and was a solid contributor off the bench for the Purple and Gold for most of the season. Now, one week away from the play-in tournament, we don’t know if he’ll be in the Lakers’ postseason rotation.

Rob Pelinka brought in Andre Drummond during the season to replace Marc Gasol as the Lakers starting center, but over the last few weeks, the Lakers have looked much better with the former Grizzly on the court.

Next, we’ll examine who should start at the point guard position, the center spot, and which player should play power forward with the bench unit.