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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 bold predictions after All-Star break

By Orestis Rantis

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on November 27, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on November 27, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
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4. A new face is inserted in the starting line-up

Up to this point, 11 different players have been inserted into the starting lineup. Frank Vogel’s constant change of plans has helped the team tremendously, as opposing coaches struggle to find an answer for the Lakers.

Out of those 11 players, a few of them were thrust into action due to minor injuries that kept the team’s bigs out of action. For the most part, though, Vogel has experimented with the guards that are on the court at tip-off.

LeBron’s entire career plan has been to surround himself with spot-up shooters that excel in catch-and-shoot situations after James’ drive to the basket. As a result, you’d expect a player like Danny Green to be irreplaceable in the starting line-up. Your expectation would be spot-on.

The area where we can expect some kind of change would be the starting point guard spot, or shooting guard if you have LeBron listed as a point guard and Green as a small forward.

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Avery Bradley has been used excessively at that spot, mainly due to defensive reasons, though his best defensive years seem to be behind him. Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have also been involved in the starting line-up, though they are better off being used as energy sparks off the bench.

Alex Caruso has for long been involved in the “Death Lineup” that the Lakers have used during crunch time. What number don’t show, a simple glance at a Lakers game will. Caruso is a significant cornerstone of the team and no one can deny that.

The Bald Mamba actually started for the first time this season in his last game, scoring nine points on 3-of-5 shooting in 20 minutes of playing time.

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