Head coach Byron Scott has made a drastic change to the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
Coach Scott has made plenty of questionable moves with the rotation, but has kept the starting lineup relatively the same all season long until now. After a 3-17 start to the season, Coach Scott is ready to shake things up in hopes of turning things around.
For the next five to 10 games, rookie D’Angelo Russell and forward Julius Randle will be coming off the bench for the Lakers via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
Byron says he'll keep Randle and Russell on the bench for next five to 10 games. Then he might make changes again.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 7, 2015
With Randle and Russell set to come off the bench for the next five to 10 games, the Lakers will turn to rookie Larry Nance Jr. and veteran Lou Williams.
Coach Scott believes Nance Jr. and Williams could give the Lakers a boost of energy to start gamee via Bresnahan:
Byron says he's hoping for more energy from starters…something had to change w/ 3-17 record. Lou Williams and Larry Nance will start.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 7, 2015
Changing the starting lineup during a long road trip is an interesting move by Scott. Although it will be viewed as a drastic measure, the Lakers have only won three games thus far, and the team is in desperate need of getting back on the right track.
Coach Scott will likely continue to be criticized for his coaching decisions. One of the main reasons for concern over the course of this season has been the minutes for the team’s talented young players. Sending Russell and Randle to the bench could have the fans in an uproar once again with many still wondering what Scott’s plan is to develop these young players moving forward.