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Los Angeles Lakers: Who is going to be the starting point guard?

By Jon Soden

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 after scoring a three pointer against the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 after scoring a three pointer against the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

LeBron James

2018-19 Stats (Lakers): 27.4 pts, 8.5 rbs. 8.3 ast, 3.6 tov, 35.2 min

Surprise. According to Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Lakers had decided to start LeBron at point guard.

Later on, Lakers coach Frank Vogel denied this report, saying that it was too early in the offseason to make this decision. This still leaves LeBron at point guard as a possibility.

Advantages

Well, obviously LeBron is leaps and bounds better than the other three point guards. Point guard has always been LeBron’s natural position, and even though he is a top-four all-time scorer, he has often referred to himself as a pass-first guy who likes to get his teammates involved.

If LeBron were to start at point guard, it would also enable the Lakers to start their most talented overall lineup, consisting of James, Davis, Green, Kuzma and Cousins. If one of the other point guards starts, it’s hard to see who the Lakers could bring off the bench, especially if Davis starts at the four.

Disadvantages

The main problem with LeBron starting a point guard is that it would damage the second unit.

Would the Lakers deploy two point guards in the second unit, and leave one to ride the bench? But this may take too much time away from other second unit guys like Dudley, Bradley and Daniels, and instead force the Lakers to barley play two of its point guards.

Also, it may be beneficial to have one of the more talented players, such as Kuzma, come off the bench to be the primary scoring option. Otherwise, Caruso could end up being the only shot creator on the second unit, which might not bode too well.

dark. Next. How the Lakers could face the Clippers in the first round

Prediction

To start the season, the Los Angeles Lakers will most likely go with a more traditional lineup and not start LeBron at point guard. As the season goes on, I think that Caruso’s level of play will determine if LeBron plays point or continues as a wing player.

At the end of games, however, and perhaps in the playoffs, LeBron will be in at point to command the offense, and also to have the most talented Lakers lineup on the floor.

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