Los Angeles Lakers and winning is a duo that simply goes hand-in-hand. The side is so used to succeeding, that last year’s shocking exit would’ve been extremely disheartening for them. However, LeBron James and co. have upped their off-season game this time around. With acquisitions such as Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, Frank Vogel’s men are once again the favorites for the title.
Although the men in the purple and gold boast of immense quality, age is not necessarily on their side. In spite of offloading some underwhelming talents like Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the team’s average age is one of the highest in the league. If the initial reports are anything to go by, fans will witness some shocking inclusions in LA’s starting five. Let’s take a look at how they are expected to line up, and what the NBA Twitter thinks of it.
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Fans go wild at shocking leaked Lakers starting five
In comparison to last season, the Lakers surely have made some changes to the side they field. As per The Athletic, a projected starting five has been decided for LeBron James‘ side. There are some interesting additions as well as baffling changes in positions. According to the report, Wayne Ellington and Trevor Ariza are set to make the cut, while veteran Carmelo Anthony will be on the bench. Meanwhile, #3 Anthony Davis will switch to the center position.
The Lakers’ projected starting lineup, per @ShamsCharania @sam_amick @billoram
PG – Russell Westbrook
SG – Wayne Ellington
SF – Trevor Ariza
PF – LeBron James
C – Anthony Davis(Via @TheAthletic ) pic.twitter.com/ME43lLjZRX
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) September 27, 2021
Fans did not react too well to the leaked line-up. While many were shocked at the side, some took to social media to reprimand the decision of playing Ariza and Ellington over Carmelo. They were also extremely critical of Davis playing the center position. Here’s what the fans had to say.
nets in 4 this is terrible
— REVENGE SZN KD (@DurGoat_7) September 27, 2021
Ariza and Ellington? Weakest 2 starters I’ve ever seen on a “championship contender.”
— Nonbiased NBA Fan (@nonbiasednbafan) September 27, 2021
AD not starting at center lol he too soft
— ȶei (@notorioustei) September 27, 2021
i’ll give it 4 games before AD starts complaining that he has to play center
— Prez💊 (@PresidentEmbiid) September 27, 2021
So two starters who aren’t good enough to be starters, two superstars, and a mercurial wild card who is either an asset or an albatross depending on the night. Should be fun
— Fred PantPleat (@miCman3a) September 27, 2021
Wayne Ellington starting in 2021 lol
— 👨🍼 (@nyjetsfan23) September 27, 2021
This team will not come out the west.
— Luka Lovric (@LukaLovric9) September 27, 2021
Nevertheless, there were a certain few who still kept their hopes up. They continue to be optimistic and were quite impressed with the lineup that the 2020 champions put out.
This might be the best NBA Starting Lineup of all time. And don’t forget about our bench😈⚔️ Lakers in 4‼️
— Official🐐(0-0)And(1-2)🐺 (@OfficialT0mm) September 27, 2021
Perfect pic.twitter.com/RXLbzxVXh8
— ADsburner (@AD2022MVP__) September 27, 2021
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Surprised no Melo in the starting 5 but I’m down
— Tupac (@TupacAG) September 27, 2021
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Although there is no confirmed line-up yet, the fans have already had their say. And so should you. Let us know what you think is the ideal LA Lakers starting line-up for the 2021-22 season in the comments.
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