Lakers News: Chris Kaman To Start Against Houston Rockets

hi-res-182450069-chris-kaman-and-pau-gasol-of-the-los-angeles-lakers_crop_exactEarlier this week, head coach Mike D’Antoni hinted at a change in the starting lineup, saying that the team would likely go big against the Houston Rockets. Many assumed that Jordan Hill, who had been extremely effective in spot minutes through five game this season, would get the start, but according to Mark Medina, it’s Chris Kaman who will join the starting unit in tonight’s game against the Rockets.

This is a great move by D’Antoni. While Hill has been a bright spot for the Lakers this season, he still isn’t a starting caliber player and doesn’t fit as well into D’Antoni’s offensive scheme as Kaman does. Williams had been the starting power forward through five games, but his limited effectiveness has only seen him play just under 14 minutes per game despite being a starter.

With Williams out of the starting lineup, it likely means more minutes for Hill, who has been the team’s best rebounder who provides energy off the bench. Also, it allows both Gasol and Kaman to spend more time on the floor together. They had developed some chemistry in the off-season before Kaman came back from China with a stomach illness that kept him out of the Lakers final two preseason games.

Gasol and Kaman, instead of Gasol and Williams, is also a better matchup against the front line of Dwight Howard and Omer Asik, who are both excellent on the glass and are effective in the paint. The new starting front court allows for D’Antoni to stretch the floor in the offense from both spots and will force at least one of the Rockets bigs away from the rim as both Gasol and Kaman have the ability to hit 15-footers if left open.

—————————————————————————————
Kobe Bryant: Discussed Difficulty Of Players Staying With The Same Teams

You May Also Like

Metta World Peace ‘Can’t Wait’ To See Lakers’ Brandon Ingram During NBA Summer League

Metta World Peace likely played his last game for the Los Angeles Lakers and possibly in the NBA back in April while wearing the purple and gold…

Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley Debate Potential Lakers-Clippers Western Conference Finals

While from the players perspective, the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers is overblown…

Lakers News: Jahlil Okafor, D’Angelo Russell Will Have Second Workout With L.A.

UPDATE (June 20, 2015): According to Lakers.com reporter Mike Trudell, the Los…

Ice Cube Lists His All-Time Los Angeles Lakers Mount Rushmore

One of the best debating points in any sport will always be the ‘Mount Rushmore’ topic. There is always that question…