Lakers projected starting lineup and rotation after drafting Jalen Hood-Schifino
The Lakers made the most of their two NBA Draft picks, landing Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis. Where would they fit in the rotation?
The Lakers made two draft picks this year after numerous rumors that they would trade their picks or look to trade down. In the end, they made a small trade with the Pacers to move up to No. 40 in the second round, landing Jalen Hood-Schifino at No. 17 and Maxwell Lewis with that second-round pick.
Hood-Schifino is a point guard with great size and savvy who is still developing his shooting and scoring tools. Lewis may have been a steal, a polished shooter and secondary creator on the wing was initially billed as a likely first-round prospect. Both players could play meaningful minutes next season but where will they fit in the rotation?
Lakers projected starting lineup and rotation:
Point Guard: Free agent point guard | Jalen Hood Schifino
Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves | Max Christie | Malik Beasley trade return
Small Forward: LeBron James | Maxwell Lewis
Power Forward: Rui Hachimura | Jarred Vanderbilt
Center: Anthony Davis | Mo Bamba
While the team only has six players under contract, this roster is pretty much decided. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura will most likely be back as they are restricted free agents and the Lakers can match. Lewis and Hood-Schifino may be called upon for backup minutes on the wings, depending on whether or not the Lakers bring back or D’Angelo Russell or otherwise fill their hole at point guard. Russell is a solid rotational player but he gets exposed on defense in the playoffs if he has to play heavy minutes.
The team will most likely add another backup center, and small forward. They may look for a center who could end up starting in the regular season to help save wear and tear on Davis.
The main way for this team to improve is to use Malik Beasley’s expiring contract as salary to get a veteran player in the league. They might have to use picks in order to get a useful player back, but this is a way for the team to get better. It would be wise for the team to use this to get a backup point guard who can play in the playoffs.
At the very least, they should get a point guard who isn’t a huge negative on the defensive end so if his offensive game shuts off in the playoffs, he is still playable.
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