Kyle Kuzma will start on the wing tonight in place of KCP (foot). Pretty big lineup there with Kuz next to LeBron, Green, AD and McGee, but they like how Kuz is playing and want to see what that group looks like.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) August 10, 2020
Kyle Kuzma will start on the wing tonight in place of KCP (foot)
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August 10, 2020 1 Comment
This is exactly the lineup adjustment Vogel should be making to the starting lineup when the Lakers get into the playoffs. Kyle Kuzma should start. Period. Ideally, Kuz should be replacing McGee, who is a bad matchup against Jokic. Anyway, at least a half step in the right direction for Vogel to start Kuzma. Seriously, though, who is JaVale McGee going to defend? Aside from playing poorly, McGee is a poor matchup against the Nuggets.
The odd man out when Kuzma starts should be McGee or KCP or Green depending on the match ups. If we’re playing against a team with a traditional back to the basket center, then Kuz should replace Green or KCP depending on who the opposing guards are. If we’re facing a big guard, he replaces KCP. If a small quick guard, then Green. When we play against a team with a stretch five center, like we’re doing tonight, Kuz should replace McGee, who cannot defend anybody out at the 3-point line.
This is my concern with Vogel. It’s one thing to keep your starting lineup consistent throughout the regular season but with teams doubling AD and clogging the lane to slow down LeBron and daring your role players to shoot from deep, the last thing you want is JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard on the floor. Once we get into the real games in the playoffs, Frank is going to have to adjust and do it sooner rather than later if the Lakers are going to have a chance to win a championship. Time to wake up, Frank.