Lakers News: Writer Pitches Intriguing Small Ball Starting 5

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has kept the final starter close to home, as the team prepares for the season opener next week. But luckily for him, he has plenty of choices to pick from.

“The Lakers have four starting spots spoken for with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell inked in. The fifth spot offers a lot of options, not just with players, but with style of play too.”

Per Keith Smith of Spotrac.com

LA has plenty of options in filling out their starting rotation due to the depth that they have. That depth should allow them to have the flexibility to match up with whatever team comes their way.

They can go small, big, or even mix things up to counter anything thrown at them. The way their roster is constructed allows them much-needed versatility, and that is something that the Lakers haven’t had in quite some time.

“If the Lakers go a lot smaller, they could slide everyone up a position and open games with Gabe Vincent. That shifts Russell into even more of a scoring role, where he’s more comfortable. And Vincent is best option for defending opposing point guards on the roster.”

Per Keith Smith of Spotrac.com

Ham loves to play multiple guards in his rotations to give the team more speed on the floor. With a guy like Vincent, it would allow them to space the floor, without losing any defense

However, it's more likely that the Lakers go with a bigger player for their final starting spot. Someone like Jarred Vanderbilt or one of their centers makes sense.

"If the Lakers go this way, Jarred Vanderbilt is an option, as is Christian Wood or possibly Jaxson Hayes. Vanderbilt started a lot for the Lakers after being acquired at the trade deadline."

Per Keith Smith of Spotrac.com

No matter who is starting for the Lakers, they should be one of the better teams in the NBA again. If they can stay healthy, it could be a special season for the purple and gold.

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