3. The Los Angeles Lakers could use another power forward
The Los Angeles Lakers addressed the roster in a great way and there is legitimate depth at almost every position. The one position that could use an extra player is the power forward position. While it is not make or break, it is the thinnest spot on the roster.
Based on the team’s signings thus far, this is how I would project the depth chart to be heading into the season (of course, things will change as the year goes along):
- PG: Russell Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn
- SG: Malik Monk, Wayne Ellington, Talen Horton-Tucker
- SF: LeBron James, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore
- PF: Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony
- C: Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol
Anthony Davis is likely going to play more center next season, especially in crunch time with Russell Westbrook on the floor. The floor spacing with Westbrook and a traditional center, with the players they have around them, is going to be horrible.
AD playing the five allows the Lakers to put Carmelo Anthony, or whoever is hot shooting the ball, on the floor instead of Gasol or Howard.
That is fine in crunch time but that does open the door for more power forward minutes. Anthony and Ariza definitely can play the four and they will at points in the game but neither are traditional fours, especially when it comes to working near the rim and rebounding the basketball.
Aldridge, standing in at six-eleven, is that traditional four that can help on the glass and work near the rim. He may only get 10-15 minutes per game but that is fine, especially as he eases into playing and makes sure it is safe.
The Brooklyn Nets definitely could make room for Aldridge if he wanted to return but the fit is more natural on the Los Angeles Lakers.