Los Angeles Lakers: Coach Frank Vogel’s most challenging decisions
By Jon Soden
The centers
In addition to the point guard situation, Vogel has some more decisions to make regarding the starting lineup.
Once again, this may come at the expense of fans.
When it was announced that DeMarcus Cousins had torn his ACL, Lakers Twitter called on Anthony Davis to run the five full time. Even many analysts have said that Davis at the five would produce the best version of the Lakers.
However, this is about making Anthony Davis happy.
If Vogel wants to retain his job after this season, Anthony Davis has to stick around as well. While every Lakers fan assumes Davis will re-sign at the end of the season, it is not yet a done deal (look at what just happened with Kyrie Irving).
Anthony Davis has already given in to the Lakers requests by waiving his $4 million trade bonus in hopes to sign Kawhi. The Lakers were not able to deliver, and who knows how upset Davis may be about the situation.
Following this up with a round two bout to convince Davis to start at the five? Bad idea.
Vogel knows he needs to keep Davis happy and will honor his request to play the four, leaving JaVale McGee to start at the five.