Could Lakers Use Different Fifth Starter To Maximize Match Ups? Until LeBron returns or Pelinka pulls the trigger on a trade, the Lakers would be smart to abandon a fixed starting lineup and deploy different fifth starters to better match up against each opponent’s starting… https://t.co/JDqJ6dgOGn— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 19, 2025
With LeBron out, it makes total sense to play the fifth starter that best matches up with the opposing team we’re playing. I could see situation where the fifth starter could be Gabe, Marcus, Vando, Maxi, or Jaxson. Play whomever helps us win the matchups.
Yes. This is what I said on the last podcast w/Gerald. With LeBron out it doesn’t make too much sense to say “this is our OTHER starting five!” And blab your plan to the media. Keep it surprising, one game could be Gabe, the next Vando, then Smart and so on.