Lakers lineup no. 2:
- Patrick Beverley/Buddy Hield/LeBron James/Anthony Davis/Myles Turner
Our second option as a starting five assumes that Russell Westbrook is sent in some capacity to the Indiana Pacers (with draft capital, of course) in return for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
This is a group that is difficult to find weaknesses in. Newly acquired Patrick Beverley would assume the role of PG while acting as an off-ball slasher/perimeter threat. Beverley would also add the luxury of an elite perimeter defender to take even more load off of an aging LeBron James. Speaking of James, this lineup will allow him to assume primary ball-handler and facilitator duties.
Additionally, Buddy Hield is the ideal player next to a player like James, as he boasts a career 39.8% three-point percentage. Hield’s addition would likely make him the best three-point shooter the Lakers have had since LeBron signed in 2018.
Myles Turner would be an interesting fit next to Anthony Davis, both offensively and defensively. Turner is able to stretch the floor offensively, which is ideal next to Davis. This lineup, as a whole, would almost certainly correct the spacing issues that have plagued LAL for the last two seasons.
Defensively, the pairing of Turner and Davis would immediately be the best defensive big-men combination in the NBA. Davis would be able to showcase his perimeter defensive abilities, as well, with Turner protecting the rim.
This lineup may be the best possible scenario for Darvin Ham and the Purple and Gold.