Los Angeles Lakers lineup preview, Pt. 3: How small is too small?
Offensive outlook
The Los Angeles Lakers improved their frontcourt more than any other position group this past offseason. The upgrade from Timofey Mozgov to Brook Lopez is quite evident, but the drafting of Kyle Kuzma and Thomas Bryant give the Lakers multiple big man options that can space the floor. Of these new additions, Kuzma has the best chance to make a lating impact for the Lakers.
Kuzma exceeded expectations at NBA Summer League. He shot confidently from deep, flashed some playmaking potential and ran the floor in transition for easy buckets. This makes his connection with Lonzo Ball very exciting.
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Lonzo rewards teammates that run the floor with quick up-court passes. Kuzma showed a tendency to run the floor in college at Utah, so credit to the Lakers staff for drafting an elite passer with a consistent floor runner in the 2017 NBA Draft. Combine this with Kuzma’s stroke from the 3-point line and any lineup would welcome his skill-set.
The rest of this lineup should play well with the extra space provided by Kuzma at the 5. Josh Hart has some range that attracts attention from defenders, and has experience running the point from his days at Villanova.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hasn’t been the most efficient scorer in his pro career, but this would provide the most amount of space he’s played with in his career. A jump in touches and points is expected for KCP.
Brandon Ingram would be the go-to scorer for this Lakers’ lineup. He has the largest array of scoring moves of this five and has can put up points from all three levels. Ingram looks primed for a major step forward after a bumpy rookie season, and this lineup gives him a chance to take on a large scoring role.
Lonzo obviously ties everything together. His quick passes elevate Kuzma’s game. He draws out defenders with his deep range. His unselfishness carries over to his teammates and makes for an exciting, fun environment. With Lonzo at the helm, this offense could be Luke Walton’s best offensively as soon as the end of this season.