Should Lakers fans actually believe Dion Waiters or J.R. Smith will be a real playoff contributor? @billoram explains how high (or low) expectations should be.https://t.co/lbRY7mQRAO
— The Athletic L.A. (@TheAthleticLA) July 19, 2020
What is the Lakers’ best closing lineup? I think it probably has A.D. playing the five. So is it A.D., Bron, Danny Green, KCP, Caruso? Does Kuzma make it despite poor D? Morris if he’s shooting well? Dion or J.R. if they’re shooting well? — Tommy O.
What you’ve proposed is essentially Vogel’s preferred closing lineup before the shutdown, with Caruso swapped in for Avery Bradley. Caruso is no stranger to playing those crucial final minutes, however, and last did so on March 6 in the home win over Milwaukee. Kuzma, also, has slotted in at times, including in the nip-and-tuck Celtics win in February.
With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope the presumed replacement for Bradley, it seems reasonable to assume that he will typically close games along with James, Davis and Green. Depending on the matchup and who’s playing well, any of the guys you mentioned will likely rotate through, but I would imagine the first choice is Caruso, who gives you the ball handling and the defense. If you need a little more offense, Waiters could sneak in.