Lakers: Which power forward deserves the starting nod?

The Los Angeles Lakers have a rather good problem heading into this season: they have too many options to start at the power forward position.

In what has been the worst stretch in franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers have consistently been somewhat decent at power forward. With the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Lakers brought in Julius Randle. Randle, who missed the entirety of his rookie season, has given the Lakers consistent production at the power forward position.

Then, in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Larry Nance Jr. out of Wyoming with the 27th overall pick. Nance has developed into one of the most dynamic dunkers in the game and has been a viable backup option for Randle for two seasons now. All you have to do is watch this posterizing dunk on now teammate Brook Lopez to see Nance’s athleticism.

Then, with another 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers brought in Kyle Kuzma from Utah. Kuzma was expected to be a low minutes option off the bench to stretch the floor at the power forward position.

However, the spectacle that is Kuzma now has blossomed into one of the biggest storylines of the preseason. Kuzma thrived in the NBA Summer League, taking that strong performance directly into the NBA preseason. Now, Kuzma has entered himself into starting talks.

While this is a big decision for head coach Luke Walton, all three guys make their own case for the starting lineup. Therefore, let’s break down each young talent and rank how much they deserve the starting gig.