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NBA: Top 5 Benches Thus Far in 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) celebrates a play with forward Brandon Ingram (14) as Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) is shown on the play in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) celebrates a play with forward Brandon Ingram (14) as Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) is shown on the play in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) shoots against the defense of Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) shoots against the defense of Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Los Angeles Lakers

PPG: 52 (1st)
RPG: 20.2 (2nd)
APG: 10.1 (t-1st)
BPG: 1.7 (18th)

Watching the Lakers without Kobe Bryant still seems weird, but for the young guys such as D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Brandon Ingram, they couldn’t be in a better situation in terms of having the freedom to develop.

Head coach Luke Walton has been a good as advertised in helping the young core live up to the buzz that surrounded them heading into the season.

With all this being said, I’m not sure many could’ve predicted the Lakers would get out to the type of start they have at 9-9 (besides the die-hard fans, of course).

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Lou Williams is the head of the spear for this bench rotation that has looked dominant thus far. Williams is leading the team with 16.6 points per game while dishing out 3.3 assists. He and Clarkson have been a handful on a nightly basis.

Despite a five-minute dip in minutes per game this season, he is still averaging just about the same amount of points per game (15.4) as he did last year, and at a more efficient rate.

Clarkson is the prototypical sixth man in the NBA with the way he can score, so pairing him with another pure scorer in Williams can give opposing defenses fits. Judging off past seasons, pairing

Williams with another scorer didn’t exactly bring efficient success, but he is making a more concerted effort in getting his teammates involved this season. As a result, the Lakers are a dynamic force off the bench.

Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. have been contributing well with 7.6 and 7.4 points per game respectively.

As the No. 2 pick of this year’s draft, Ingram came into the season with lofty expectations, but playing limited time off the bench will allow him to learn the NBA game at a comfortable pace.

Next: NBA Injuries: 20 Stars That Deserve Career Do-Overs

The outlook on the Lakers organization has done a complete 180 since last season. Their young starters have a been a pleasure to watch, but the production from the bench could be the reason they are lingering between eighth and 11th come April.

Rankings are credited to Hoopsstats.com