The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had many positives with the lineups so far this season, but a new one emerged after the win against the Indiana Pacers.
With Anthony Davis missing that game due to a fever, LeBron James spent time playing at center. He manned the paint on defense and handled the ball on offense.
That lineup played a key role in the Lakers’ comeback, which led to a dominant shooting night for LeBron. It’s something head coach Frank Vogel wants to use more often while keeping tabs on James’ mileage.
The Lakers used that lineup again against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, along with going big and starting Davis and DeAndre Jordan together.
The lineup fluctuations affect the roles of other players, such as star guard Russell Westbrook. After the Lakers topped the Pistons, Westbrook, who dropped 25 points, nine assists and six rebounds, discussed his versatility and explained how he’s able to adjust to any five-man variation L.A. uses.
“One thing about me, I can adapt to anything,” Westbrook said. “I can play 1 through 5. I’m very comfortable playing in the dunker spot, rolling, pick-and-rolls, setting the screen, doing whatever it is that our team needs to be successful. That’s why going small helps us out.
“‘Melo can still space the floor. I would say I’m a pretty good rebounder for my size, so I take it as a challenge. Just do whatever it takes for us to win. Me being in the lineup allows me to do different things, roam and rebound and just be active.”
The Lakers acquired Westbrook to be the team’s engine no matter who he plays with, and he’s gradually improving his play every game after a dismaying start to the year.
He’s not going to transform into a deadly perimeter threat, but he still has the talent to aid the squad in a variety of ways, as he displayed against the Pistons.
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