Los Angeles Lakers Starting 5: Locks, fringe, and break-ins for 2021-22
By Dalton Sell
2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup: Who are the fringe candidates?
Talen Horton-Tucker
The biggest question for the Lakers now is who will start at shooting guard. Among their top priorities this offseason was re-signing restricted free agent Talen Horton-Tucker, and they managed to do so relatively easily with a three-year deal worth $32 million. Tucker is clearly someone they value in this lineup, and he could potentially get the nod in the starting lineup next season. However, that is not guaranteed as the guard is merely 20 years old, and might be best suited to continue coming off the bench. Who knows what Vogel has in mind, but Tucker will get consideration for the role. He took a massive leap from year one to year two with LA, and year three could be his greatest yet, particularly if he sees such an increased role.
Wayne Ellington
If Vogel is looking for a more experienced player to fill the two-guard spot over Tucker, he should look no further than Wayne Ellington. The 33-year-old guard was one of the many former Lakers to rejoin the team this offseason, and he has the skill set that would make him a perfect fit next to James, Davis, and Westbrook. That would be because of his sharpshooting, making a living in this league as a lethal threat from the outside. Coming off one of the most productive seasons in his career, the journeyman could find himself starting for Los Angeles next season and thriving on the offensive end with no shortage of open looks from the perimeter.
Marc Gasol
In addition to the shooting guard situation, one question the Lakers face will be who starts at the center position next year. Andre Drummond, who started for the team in 21 games after coming over in the buyout market last season, left in free agency to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers after he never quite found his footing with the Lakers. His departure makes it seem like Marc Gasol will slide into the starting lineup. Gasol was benched for Drummond last season, which was certainly frustrating for the 36-year-old, who envisioned a bigger role when he signed with the team in the previous free agency period. With Drummond gone and Gasol set to return to LA, he seems like the likeliest candidate to earn the starting center spot, but nothing is set in stone just yet.