USA Today via Reuters
Feb 26, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Alex Caruso (4) celebrate in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 26, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Alex Caruso (4) celebrate in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers became the sixth team in the current season to touch the 30-win mark after their W against the Magic. They might not be enjoying a streak like Utah (5) and Clippers (5), but they’re collecting victories even without their star duo. This leaves it to the imagination how well they can play once their star power is back.
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Their most recent signing in Andre Drummond has increased that firepower multifold. Notably, the Celtics were in a close battle with the Lakers to close out a deal with the big man. But the Drummond camp was always bent towards joining a title-contending unit, and that is what happened.
So how will the roster look once they’re back with full battery power?
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Lakers and their most probable starting five
USA Today via Reuters
Lakers’ injured forward Anthony Davis talks to LeBron James during the game against the Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Once LeBron James and Anthony Davis are back, they will reoccupy their earlier positions. Bron will again push Kyle Kuzma back to the bench and play as a much-needed small forward.
His elite passing, scoring ability, and leadership while also making a reliable clutch performance will add the lost sparkle back to the team. Then on, they will have Anthony Davis asking Markieff Morris to take the back seat as he takes the power forward position.
His versatility, speed, clearing off the paint, and defensive abilities will be very important for the Lakers to jump back to their old rhythm.
Apart from the star duo, Dennis Schroder will keep his point guard position as a prolific scoring option. He will be Bron’s go-to guy who can play longer minutes and keep the pressure on opponent defenders.
In the five games after Bron injured himself, Dennis scored 98 points at an average of 19.6 ppg, making him an important piece. Next up, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will keep his shooting guard position intact as he has been Frank Vogel’s consistent choice for starting.
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What about the center position?
Well, here is the catch. Marc Gasol joined the Lakers in December, and since then, he has been starting every game he has played. However, with the incoming of Andre Drummond, a 2-way center, chances are strong that he will lose that position and even the minutes of play.
Marc has underperformed until now, averaging below 5 points, just 4 rebounds, and under 2 assists per game, and hence, it makes sense to try out the Big Penguin.
Andre Drummond has been undervalued for a large part of his career, having joined the Cavs only after Bron left. He never played with a championship contender side, and it will be interesting how his game improves. He can be a rim-operator and help with pick-and-rolls to add dimensions to the offense.
So, what do you think about the new Lakers roster? Help us know in the comments.
