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Los Angeles Lakers lineup preview part 2: Tailor offense around Julius Randle

By Michael Dugger

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Julius Randle NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Julius Randle NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

We continue our Los Angeles Lakers lineup previews with a small-ball unit I’m tailoring around a point forward. The Lakers have plenty of young players, but should build some lineups around Julius Randle.

With the NBA shifting towards position-less basketball, having a big man that can clean up the glass, bring the ball up the court and theoretically run an offense is valuable for coaches to utilize.

Opposing bigs are still adapting to life defensively on the perimeter, so there are mismatches to take advantage of if you have these quick big man.

As we continue our series of Los Angeles Lakers lineup previews, let’s take a look at one possible group tailored around Julius Randle on offense:

Kuzma is the lone carryover from the first lineup preview and is joined by the two longest-tenured Lakers in Clarkson and Randle. KCP and Brewer are known for their 3-and-D skill-sets that fit alongside the other members of this group.

This lineup consists of two probable starters in KCP and Randle. Clarkson has been challenged to win the Sixth Man of the Year award by Magic Johnson, so expect the former Missouri Tiger to be extra assertive off the bench. Brewer is the only one who is doubtful to receive consistent minutes, but I think he has some value for a Lakers team devoid of defense in recent seasons.

I don’t consider this unit to be a total mess defensively, but consistent shot creation is the biggest question mark they face. Clarkson’s career scoring numbers (14.2 points per game in 29.2 minutes per game) highlight his ability to get himself a shot, but his assist numbers (2.8 per game) show that he’s not a great distributor. Can the others pick up the slack? Let’s find out.

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