3 possible starting lineups for the Lakers next season

Lakers lineup no. 1:

• Russell Westbrook/Lonnie Walker IV/LeBron James/Anthony Davis/Thomas Bryant

This first starting lineup assumes that Russell Westbrook is not dealt or sent home, and Darvin Ham finds a role for him on the court.

The Lakers strengthened their wing depth this offseason, including signing Lonnie Walker IV away from San Antonio. Despite starting only six games last season, Walker IV has shown the ability to be an effective slasher, the perfect role next to LeBron James.

Thomas Bryant was also signed during the offseason, as the Lakers decided to bring the Indiana product back home to Los Angeles, where he was originally drafted. Bryant will be an excellent fit next to Anthony Davis, as his ability to spread the floor is impressive.

Bryant had had a difficult time staying healthy the past two seasons but shot over 40% from 3-point range in both the 2019 and 2020 campaigns.

The main question mark with this potential starting group is the lack of outside shooting, especially from the backcourt. The most effective outside shooter of this specific five is likely Thomas Bryant. Needless to say, if your best three-point shooter is your five-man, that is probably not a good sign.

The backcourt of Westbrook and Walker IV does not exactly instill confidence defensively, either, as both players were negative defenders last year.

While this starting five is certainly a possibility, it is not the best option at the Lakers’ disposal.