The Los Angeles Lakers return home for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors, and although they hold a 3-2 series lead, there is a feeling that this will be a do-or-die game for them.
They will want to avoid a potential Game 7 in San Francisco early on Sunday afternoon, where the Warriors would likely be a big favorite and have not only the home-court advantage but also momentum on their side.
Prior to tip-off of Game 6, Los Angeles head coach Darvin Ham has decided to make a significant change to his starting lineup. He is replacing forward Jarred Vanderbilt with reserve guard Dennis Schroder.
The Lakers will start Dennis Schröder in place of Jarred Vanderbilt tonight.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 13, 2023
This is presumably a defensive adjustment, as Vanderbilt started this series guarding Stephen Curry, but has had diminishing returns on the end of the floor, which has resulted in diminishing playing time for him.
Schroder has the quickness and grit to shadow Curry and make him work, but unlike Vanderbilt, he is capable of making an impact offensively as well. He’s averaging 11.8 points on 47.6 percent shooting in 26.8 minutes per game so far in this series.
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