Lakers projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
Los Angeles Lakers starting shooting guard: Austin Reaves
The Lakers starting shooting guard will be none other than Austin Reaves. Reaves went undrafted in 2021 and saw a solid amount of playing time in his rookie year. He really took a jump this past season, averaging 13 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists on 53/40/86 splits. Once the trade deadline rolled around, Reaves took off averaging 16.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, on 58/46/83 splits. Then in the postseason, Reaves played just as well, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists on 46/44/90 splits.
There was a direct correlation between the Lakers’ late season success and the play of Reaves, who earned himself the starting shooting guard spot. No one should be surprised if he takes another leap this year and becomes a fringe All-Star. Reaves has become a player LeBron and the Lakers can rely on to play big on the brightest stage.
Primary backup shooting guard: Max Christie
When it comes to the Lakers backup shooting guards, there are not many. But Max Christie is currently their best backup two-guard. Christie received minimal playing time in the 41 games he appeared in last season, where he was very solid from the 3-point line and from the free throw line.
Christie played for the Lakers this Summer League and, in every game besides one, he scored well over 20 points and, more importantly, was very efficient from 3. Christie’s play in the Summer League will earn him one of the backup guard spots for the Lakers.