The Los Angeles Lakers had a rollercoaster journey during the 2022–23 season. A dreadful 2–10 start, 0.2% odds at making the playoffs, a series of trades, and arguably the most unlikely Western Conference Finals appearance in franchise history.
If there was one thing that remained consistent for the Lakers last season, it was the impact their bench players showcased on multiple occasions. As their campaign progressed, multiple players were recognized as the lineup’s ‘sixth man’ amidst an ever-changing starting five. Among them were Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.
Of those four players, only Reaves and Hachimura remain with the Lakers ahead of the 2023–24 NBA season. Reaves’ shining consistency catapulted him from benchwarmer to first-choice shooting guard and there are no signs of his run of form slowing down. Hachimura was also another game-changer from his first day as a Laker, but the only thing preventing him from being a constant starter is the fact that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the players that occupy the forward position.
Given the above context, it seems like Hachimura himself would be the default sixth man for the Lakers. Well, with the number of fresh additions to the roster brought by GM Rob Pelinka this offseason, many potential starting lineups have to be considered. As the new season draws closer, let’s take a close look at who might claim the sixth-man tag.
The different scenarios for the Lakers’ sixth man this season:
Scenario 1:
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Jaxson Hayes
6: Rui Hachimura
Jovan Buha of The Athletic broke down different scenarios for the Lakers’ possible rotation come October in July. He mentioned that Jaxson Hayes, one of LA’s newest signings, had the team’s confidence to start and play a prominent role alongside Anthony Davis. This would naturally put AD back into his natural position as a Power Forward after playing a large part of the season as the team’s 5.
Given this more defense-heavy starting lineup, Hachimura will be the best choice to be the sixth man. He can be substituted to bolster the team significantly on offense and provide backup for either Davis or Hayes on D. He was an efficient scoring machine even during instances where he played limited minutes, and proved to be a reliable replacement whenever Bron or AD needed a quick break.
Scenario 2:
PG: Gabe Vincent
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis
6: D’Angelo Russell
Gabe Vincent made waves in the basketball community as a part of the Miami Heat’s run toward the NBA Finals last season. He was an effective three-point shooter with strong isolation defense to back up his scoring. Now that the Lakers have a distance sniper, it’s possible that he can find his way to a starting role early in the season.
Making way for the newly-acquired guard would have to be D’Angelo Russell. D’Lo had a difficult playoff run, which resulted in him getting relegated to the bench in favor of Schroder on multiple occasions. It’s still worth noting that prior to the postseason, Russell had his spectacular moments and played a significant part in the team eventually reachin the Play-In Tournament.
Should the Lakers stick to that philosophy and nominate Vincent as the starting point guard, DLo can still make a significant contribution off the bench as a high-energy sixth man who, on his day, can shoot lights out from anywhere.
Scenario 3:
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis
6: Jarred Vanderbilt
Suppose the Lakers don’t deviate from what they already know and stick with last season’s formula, this set of players would likely start come opening day. Hachimura’s superior minutes in the previous year and the hefty contract extension he just signed propel him to start over Vanderbilt in this instance.
That doesn’t mean Vanderbilt won’t be a big factor for LA, as he was one of their greatest weapons on defense last year. Vando was pure hustle, a tenacious rebounder, and an aggressive on-ball pest regardless of who he marked. He can come in for either Bron or Rui and partner with Davis in protecting the paint.
Depending on which team the Lakers play, Vanderbilt can also take away some of the burden from Reaves on iso defense and give AR-15 more opportunities to focus on offense.