PG: R. Westbrook – T. Horton-Tucker
SG: K. Nunn – W. Ellington – M. Monk
SF: T. Ariza – K. Bazemore – W. Matthews
PF: L. James – C. Anthony – J. Dudley
C: A. Davis – M. Gasol – D. Howard14 player plus Ayaya and Reaves Two-Way Deals
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) August 3, 2021
Lakers Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
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August 3, 2021 4 Comments
While I could see Frank starting Gasol to begin the game and second half, he would then become this year’s version of JaVale McGee. 6 minutes each half and 12 minutes for the game.
Would still rather see AD start and close each half and rest in the middle of the halves. Lakers need LeBron at the four and AD at the five with Russ in the lineup. Can’t waste one of the other two starting spots on a centers who don’t or can’t stretch defenses.
Gasol was part of some of our best lineups. Hit 41% of 3’s.
Don’t get me wrong. I would be thrilled to have Gasol start over a low post traditional center and thought he should have started all playoffs. The problem is a guy who only takes 2.7 and makes only 1.0 three per game doesn’t create threaten teams or create spacing. He lacks 3-point gravity. Now if he would actually look to shoot….
While the Gasol lineups did post good numbers, we nevertheless often ended up getting off to a tough start. And there is no way our defense will be better with Anthony at the five instead of Marc. I don’t need AD playing the five all the time but I think it’s stupid not to play him during the most important minutes against the other team’s starting center. Let Gasol and Howard play against the other team’s backup centers. Play AD against their starting centers.
He should get minutes. Deserves minutes just based off IQ