Lakers projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
The Los Angeles Lakers have made upgrades to their roster so here are the projected rotations for the 2023-2024 season.
The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the most miraculous seasons last year, starting the year off 2-10, sitting as the 13th seed at the trade deadline, making big moves and going 18-9 in their last 27 games to make the Play-In Tournament. LA then won the Play-in and made it to the Western Conference Finals.
After their performance in the Western Conference Finals, it was noticeable that, despite their improbable turnaround, the Lakers still had some flaws. They lacked defensive depth at the guard and center spots and lacked consistent scoring outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers made a ton of offseason moves that will put them in a position to win a championship, though. With all those moves, the Lakers need to figure out their new rotations, so here is the projected Lakers rotation for the 2023-24 season.
Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard: D’Angelo Russell
It is not a big mystery as to who the Lakers starting point guard will be: It’s D’Angelo Russell. Last season, Russell averaged 17.8 points, 3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, on 47/40/83 splits. In the playoffs, he struggled averaging 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.6 assist on 43/31/76 splits.
Despite Russell’s struggle in the playoffs, he is unquestionably the most talented point guard the Lakers have. He can do everything offensively — score, shoot, and is a decent playmaker. All of these attributes are great to have alongside LeBron James. Russell is good enough that he can take over the game or run the offense with Anthony Davis when LeBron isn’t on the court.
Primary backup point guard: Gabe Vincent
In the playoffs, Russell became a defensive liability against the Nuggets and, at times, he became unplayable. That’s where the Lakers’ backups will come into play massively. LA’s primary backup point guard will be Gabe Vincent.
Last season, Vincent didn’t have the best campaign as he averaged 9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists on 40/33/87 splits. Vincent regained his flowers in the playoffs, however, as he averaged 12.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 40/38/88 splits.
Even though his field goal percentage isn’t the best, the Lakers only need Vincent to make 3s and play great defense. A role that Vincent was very comfortable with and bringing part of his Heat culture DNA to the Lakers will certainly help pilot the team’s defensive unit off the bench.
Other players who could receive minutes at point guard: Scottie Pippen Jr.
The other Laker listed as a point guard is Scottie Pippen Jr. Last season, he only played in six games, so he hasn’t gotten the chance to prove himself. If either Vincent or Russell suffers an injury, Pippen Jr. will have the perfect opportunity to prove himself in the bright lights of Los Angeles.