Los Angeles Lakers lineup preview, Part 4: How will the bench look?
Defensive outlook
Defensively, this unit should play aggressive on the perimeter knowing they have Bogut patrolling the interior. This group doesn’t boast much wing defense with Hart being the best bet to check top opposing guards. He was an acclaimed defender at Villanova, but it remains to be seen how well he defends the guards he will go up against on a week-to-week basis in the NBA.
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Clarkson has the size and athleticism to be a stout on-ball defender, but still struggles overall on that side of the floor. Placing him off-ball is ideal, so this partnership with Hart or any strong defender in the backcourt makes sense.
Kuzma will have his own problems staying with wings on the perimeter. He was inconsistent defensively in college and will be isolated against at will when guarding top wings. Larry Nance Jr. is comfortable at the 4 with some ability to move up to the 5. Like Kuzma, Nance will be placed on an island on the perimeter — not exactly the strongest aspect of his game.
These wing question marks bring me back to the point of making Bogut the defensive centerpiece. He is coming off a fractured tibia, so this is irrelevant if he can’t stay on the court, but Bogut is a force inside and is a communicative leader for a defense. Whether it’s calling out screens or telling a teammate to watch for a cut, having a talker like Bogut remains an underrated trait for a solid defense.
There’s still concern on how well Bogut will stay in front of guards when switched on the perimeter. Making Hart and/or Clarkson fight over screens can counter this, but I’d be worried when teams downsize and force Bogut away from the basket. Throwing him on the worst perimeter shooter is the best chance to hide his deficiencies.