The 2022-23 season presents the Los Angeles Lakers with an opportunity to get back on track after an abysmal 2021-22 campaign. Whether it be the highly-publicized struggles of Russell Westbrook or the injury bug once again striking the Lakers’ two superstars, nothing went right for the Purple and Gold a year ago. Now, with a revamped roster surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Laker Nation is anxious to put last season behind them.
There is still plenty to figure out in Los Angeles, however, before the season is underway. There are obvious question marks surrounding Russell Westbrook, and whether or not he will be on the roster when the season begins.
Westbrook’s status is not all that is up in the air, though. Kendrick Nunn’s availability remains in question and there are young players still trying to carve out a roster spot (Jay Huff, Cole Swider, etc.). It would not be surprising to see more roster shake-ups for Los Angeles, even as we inch toward September.
In order to find success again in the James/Davis era, the Lakers must find a starting unit that they can rely upon night in and night out.
The Los Angeles Lakers cannot constantly change the lineup like they did last season.
Whether it was due to injury, or just former coach Frank Vogel trying to find an effective mix of players, there was no consistency or reliability to be found in the Lakers’ first five.
Heading into the 2022 NBA season, it will be up to new head coach Darvin Ham to find the best five players together and put them on the court to start and finish games.
As the season, and answers to some of the above questions, gets closer, let’s take a look at three possible starting lineups for the 2022-23 Los Angeles Lakers.