Lakers starting lineup 2020 for the NBA restart will need some shuffling with Avery Bradley opting out. How will the LeBron James led outfit lineup?
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Lakers guard Avery Bradley has opted to sit out the remainder of the NBA season. Bradley was an important cog in the Lakers wheel and now, Lakers coach Frank Vogel has an important decision to ponder upon. A lot will depend on the Lakers superstar duo.
LeBron was having a MVP caliber season and Davis was certainly in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year award. The Lakers supporting cast was playing well before the lockdown. But who will start with all-star duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis?
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Lakers starting lineup with LeBron James and Anthony Davis?
Danny Green is certainly a lock to start for the Lakers. The two-time NBA champion has always raised his game in the playoffs and Vogel would certainly increase his minutes in the playoffs. The Lakers made him their first free-agent signing because of his ability to defend both guard spots, and more importantly hit open 3-pointers.
Javale McGee would certainly start for the Lakers until Davis starts playing at Center(which might happen during the playoffs). McGee has been brilliant in the paint this season and has been sharing minutes with Dwight Howard at center. He is an individual who, at times, displays Defensive Player of the Year talent on one end while rim-running and dunking everything on the other.
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How well has Kentavious Caldwell-Pope been playing this season?
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the subject of intense scrutiny as his performances lacked. Although, since the middle of December he’s been extremely productive for the purple and gold. His numbers have ballooned up, with his 3-point percentage sitting at an impressive 39.4%. He averages; 9.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, on 47.2% shooting from the field. His shooting numbers are at a career-high and his defensive contributions have been huge for the Lakers’ success this season.
He’s not as fierce as Avery Bradley on the defensive end, but he can certainly hold his own. He’s definitely regarded as an above-average defender. Expect KCP to be inserted into the started line-up amid Bradley’s absence. His main purpose on the defensive end will be to chase opposing guards, putting in the leg work.
Also Read: Why did KCP Play with an ankle monitor for the Lakers?
On the offensive end, it will be to spread the floor with LeBron James taking over point guard duties. He’ll be waiting in the wings, knocking down shots when required. “3-and-D”.
Read More: How much is LeBron’s lifetime Nike deal worth?
How do Kyle Kuzma, Dion Waiters or even touted signing JR Smith fit in?
Kuzma was having a very indifferent season pre-lockdown and played most of his minutes off the bench. He might get a look-in as a starter if Davis moves into the center role.
Kuzma certainly has the talent to succeed and his performance versus Oklahoma City with both LeBron and AD out injured was a testament to it.
The other recently signed former teammate of James that hopes to make an impact in the playoff bubble will be Dion Waiters.Waiters is primarily known as an offensive specialist when he has been successful during his NBA tenure.
No one should expect Waiters to replace Bradley’s ability to defend quicker point guards, he will be used for his shooting ability and to isolate smaller guards on offense to impact the game scoring off of the bench.
Standing at 6-foot-6, with a large frame, Smith suits what the Lakers need on the defensive end. He’s capable of heating up from range too, where he’s a 37.4% career shooter.
A downside though, he hasn’t played since November 2018, after being frozen out by his previous team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. All-in-all, he could certainly play a roll for the Lakers. He’s more than capable of producing when called upon.
Lakers Predicted Lineup 2020:
Javale McGee(C); Anthony Davis(PF); Lebron James(PG); Danny Green(SF); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope(SG);
