Lakers rumors: Can they make the playoffs?

Let their bench do the talking

Surprisingly enough, it’s been the team’s bench that has made the most noise this season. Their starting lineup has been nice, but without their bench’s effort so far, they wouldn’t even be where they are right now.

This has come largely on the shoulders of Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams.

Williams was known to be a dangerous sixth man after his time in Toronto. However, this season has given us a new look at the player that will lead the Lakers in the locker room when they need it most.

It’s a job they acquired Luol Deng for, but Williams has been the one truly leading the team in the absence of Russell and Young.

Alongside him is his partner in crime Jordan Clarkson.

The bench role is new for Clarkson, but his comfort and willingness to still grow in that regard has been fantastic. Reaping the benefits of patient, consistent play, the Lakers’ bench has gotten the best of even the Warriors.

Having a great bench will help them get into the playoff picture for obvious reasons. Standing out from the pack, though, will be determined by them more than many realize, even now.

It has been to them the same kind of weapon that a championship defense is in the game of football.

They don’t always win the game in a pretty way, but they get the job done.

It’s what counts at triple zeros, anyway.