Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup: Ranking their projected starting five
By Dalton Sell
4. Center – Marc Gasol
The Los Angeles Lakers cleaned house at the center position with Dwight Howard’s departure and trading JaVale McGee, which paved the way for them to sign Marc Gasol. Gasol brings an offensive presence capable of spacing the floor and playmaking, as he shot 38.5 percent from deep and averaged 3.3 assists per game this season.
Although Gasol is no longer the defensive powerhouse that saw him win the NBA’s 2012-13 Defensive Player of the Year award, he can still be a hulking presence down low. He and Anthony Davis form a formidable duo in the frontcourt, all while Montrezl Harrell awaits for the call off the bench to bolster their big man rotation even further.
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3. Point guard – Dennis Schröder
After finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year running last season, many questioned whether the newly acquired Dennis Schröder would continue to play a role as a reserve or if he would make the leap into the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers. Given the success that LeBron James had running the point this season, it was a fair question, but Schröder made it clear last Monday that he wants to be in LA’s starting lineup next season. Transcribed by the Los Angeles Times:
"“I did this off the bench stuff already in two years with OKC,” Schroder said of his time with the Thunder. “I think I try to move forward and I think with AD and LeBron I can be helpful as a starter in the [point guard] position.”"
Schröder brings a dose of playmaking and scoring, having averaged 18.9 points and 4.0 assists per game this past season off the bench. As he described, he could be that third guy in the starting lineup to complete a lethal trio, but only time will tell if the guard gets his wish to make the jump into the starting lineup with the defending champs.