Key Highlights
- Hachimura initially won the battle for the fifth starter spot but was shifted to a bench role.
- Marcus Smart’s case as a permanent Lakers starter is backed by statistical data.
- The combination of Doncic, Reaves, and Smart has shown positive results on the court.
- JJ Redick faces a decision between maintaining a traditional fifth starter or securing Smart’s starting position.
Breaking Down the Fifth Starter Debate
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is back in familiar territory. The offseason debate over who should start at the five has already played out, with Rui Hachimura initially securing the spot before being demoted to a bench role.
The Stats Back Up Smart’s Case
While Hachimura’s initial win was based on his scoring prowess and versatility, the data tells a different story. When Doncic, Reaves, and Smart play together, they form a formidable trio. In only 12 minutes of combined court time, their net rating stands at -11.5, but in 172 minutes, it soars to a robust 25.9.
Smart’s skill set complements Doncic and Reaves perfectly.
His defensive acumen and ability to space the floor make him an ideal fit for this lineup. The Lakers trio’s offensive rating of 125.3 and defensive rating of 99.5 in these 172 minutes together should erase any doubts about whether Redick can successfully run three guards consistently.
A Traditional Fifth Starter or Innovative Lineup?
The hesitation around deploying Smart as a starter was mainly due to positional concerns. But the idea that having three ‘guards’ on the court is inherently problematic is misguided. The Lakers’ trio has shown they operate incredibly well together.
Redick must decide whether to stick with the traditional fifth starter or embrace this innovative lineup.
With Hachimura now off the bench and seemingly healthy, the decision becomes more pressing. Smart’s 37 starts out of a possible 44 games this season indicate he should continue in that role. The Lakers’ best shot at competing in the second half of the season might hinge on this decision.
The Lakers’ Biggest Problem: A Clear Path Forward
While the starting lineup debate rages, it’s important to recognize what the Lakers are doing right. The combination of Doncic, Reaves, and Smart has shown promise. Their chemistry off the court and on the court should be leveraged.
Redick’s challenge is clear: either return to a more traditional setup or fully embrace this unconventional lineup that has proven its worth through data. The Lakers can’t afford to stick with what hasn’t worked (Hachimura in the starting five) and must adapt for their best chance at success.
