Topic: We wonder what changes, if any, should be made to the Los Angeles Lakers rotation at this point in the season.
Context: The Lakers season has not gotten off to the best of starts as they currently sit at 3-11 so far this season. Injuries have hurt the team, as numerous players have been in and out of the lineup, but things finally seem to be getting back to normal.
The Lakers have struggled with consistency so far this season. Carlos Boozer, Jeremy Lin and Jordan Hill have all had some excellent games, but have also had some very bad games. Wesley Johnson has yet to fulfill his potential and Ed Davis had been the only reliable player off the bench, before the recent return of Nick Young.
Defense is the team’s biggest downfall as the Lakers have struggled mightily to contain penetration on the wings, and Davis is the team’s only rim protector.
Minutes have also been a point of contention this year as Boozer, Davis, and Hill have all split minutes with Davis getting the least of the three. Kobe Bryant is also averaging 35 minutes a night which likely doesn’t sit well with many.
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Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask the loyal Lakers Nation followers which changes they would make to the Lakers rotation. These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation clarkson over price, Davis over boozer, less minutes for kobe in first to preserve energy
— ladiesman321 (@ladiesman321) November 23, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation Start Davis. Have Boozer and Young come off bench. #LNDebate
— Will James (@WB_james22) November 23, 2014
Bring in Nick sooner, rest Kobe 3-5 more minutes a game. Give Clarkson a little run in the 2nd & 3rd quarter ax #LNDebate
— Sten (@StenBender) November 23, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation more clarkson less Ronnie #LNDebate
— Martel (@ThoughtsofCole) November 23, 2014
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation #LNDebate I would get Ed Davis more minutes and have him rotating in and out with Boozer
— D.R.A.K.E. (@drakescoop2323) November 23, 2014
@TheeCoreyH #LNDebate Wesley to the bench along with Boozer. Ed Davis starting and Ellington. Boozer Nick Young and Wesley control 2nd unit
— Ryan Soares (@ryangsoares) November 23, 2014
@TheeCoreyH Boozer out. Davis permanently in as a starter playing the most minutes. Our only proper defender. #LNDebate
— SEUN (@Daniel_Onas) November 23, 2014
Lakers Nation clearly believes that Ed Davis needs more minutes and based on what he’s done so far this year, it’s hard to disagree with that. Byron Scott has to find some way to get Davis on the floor more, although Davis’ struggles with fouls also contributes to that.
I won’t go so far to say he should definitely start, as Boozer has been very good offensively, especially in the first quarter. But Davis’ minutes do need to rise as he is the team’s best defender.
Playing Kobe Bryant less should also be a goal. Moving him closer to the 30-32 minute range would be ideal and it is easily doable if he plays only 9-10 minutes in the first and third quarters instead of the entire quarters.
The other major want from the fans is more time for Jordan Clarkson which I am also in favor of. He’s not ready to start just yet, but he does have talent and Ronnie Price hasn’t done much. Phasing Clarkson in slowly makes sense as he would eventually take over for Price.
As far as the wings, Johnson still needs to start as he is the best wing defender, but Young and Ellington should start to play more and likely finish games as they provide floor spacing and consistent shooting.
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