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3 Lakers that could get axed from Darvin Ham’s playoff rotation

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: Darvin Ham the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: Darvin Ham the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Wenyen Gabriel Lakers
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) – Wenyen Gabriel Lakers /

2. Wenyen Gabriel

Wenyen Gabriel has become a fan-favorite in Los Angeles because of the way he plays basketball. Gabriel is a high-motor player that has often provided a spark to the team when he is subbed into the game. It is always great as a fan to see Gabriel flying around and playing physically to earn his minutes in the rotation.

All that being said, Ham has already shown his hand when it comes to Gabriel in the NBA Playoffs. While Gabriel is a good option to get playing time when the team is hurt, he is one of the first players to get his minutes cut when the Lakers are fully healthy.

The addition of Jarred Vanderbilt makes it harder to play Gabriel in the rotation as well. Vanderbilt is essentially a better version of Gabriel as he plays physically, providing a tough-nosed defensive presence to the team.

The problem with Vanderbilt is that he cannot shoot the ball at all, so the Lakers need to get players that can space the floor around him. Gabriel also cannot shoot the ball and does not have the size of a traditional center to fall back on.

As a result, it is really hard to find a lineup that makes sense for Gabriel when the team is fully healthy. At the most he might be able to log 6-8 minutes just to rough up Jokic a few times but that is as far as his playoff role will likely go.

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