”Unlikely That We Keep Him”: Lakers Head Coach Details Starting Five Plan Ahead of Playoffs

It was of pivotal importance that Los Angeles Lakers won their seeding game against the Denver Nuggets. Not just because the game was against a powerful side that they might face in the playoffs. But mainly because the criticism against the Lakers’ offense was continually growing. Fortunately for them, they won in the very last second.

It has been a rough restart of the season in the Orlando Bubble for the Lakers. They are struggling to maintain shooting percentage accuracy, they’re averaging very low points as a unit. But all these failures have made them brave, as their head coach Frank Vogel tries more combination and risks in seeding games to gain stability for the future.

Los Angeles Lakers coach and his strategy ahead

In a post-game media conference, Frank Vogel was asked if he is going to put Kyle Kuzma in the starting five, given his tremendous form. He responded by revealing, “I think it’s unlikely that we keep him in the starting line-up. It is something I wanna look at. Something we have available with, depending on what match-up we’re looking at.”

Frank Vogel has something else on his mind. He sees Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Deadshot Green occupying a sure place in the starting five. The coach detailed his reasoning, “We are likely going to need two quick guards. The way most of these teams that we could be facing, it’s a small ball league. So we’re gonna need defensive speed on the perimeter. So, KCP and Danny are likely in the starting lineup.”

He just gave a lead for the opponents to grab focus on these players. JaVale McGee will likely hold the center position.

This so-called strategy is prone to changes

The starting five will totally depend on the opponents that Lakers get in the playoffs. It’s a strategic move and we can not expect the same line-up. So chances remain high that we can get to see Kuzma opening the game.

Reflecting upon this, the coach added, “but you know, again you’re getting different matchups. You know their three-man is 6’10” and Michael Porter Jr. So if you get into a match-up against Denver or against another team that is big like this, that could be an option for us. So it’s another part of a trial & error and evaluation of looking at different things during these seeding games.” 

Kriss Kross Kuzma has been so good that he can shape Lakers’ duo into a trio if he continues to play with the consistency he has lately showcased. He averaging 15.4 points per game in the Orlando bubble and is very strong around the three-point line. His reading of the game is improving, and the team is gaining trust in him. Let’s see how he rolls in the coming month.

Read: “He Has to Be Our Third Best Player”: LeBron Ushers Huge Responsibility to Lakers’ Youngster Kyle Kuzma

Source: Bui Nghich – YouTube