Los Angeles Lakers had a successful off-season as they were able to retain the 2022-23 NBA season’s core roster. Those include D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. Not only that, LA improved the roster around the edges to put the team in contention for the championship for the upcoming NBA season.
Having said that, the Lakers might be scratching their heads over their starting lineup for the next season. They have many names to choose from. While Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves would be regulars, the rest of the two spots are open for all. Amid this, an NBA insider had made a case against D’Angelo Russell as he suggested LA bench him next season.
NBA Insider Votes For Gabe Vincent To Start Over D’Angelo Russell For Lakers Next Year
D’Angelo Russell returned to the Los Angeles Lakers during last season’s trade window. He quickly established himself in the starting lineup and contributed heavily to the team’s late playoff push. However, the point guard witnessed a slump in the playoff as he was scratched off the lineup for the conference finale vs. Denver Nuggets. That led to a lot of speculation over his future. But against all odds, LA re-signed him into a two-year extension deal. Meanwhile, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has suggested Hollywood consider dropping DLo from the starting lineup next season. He names Gabe Vincent as a perfect like-for-like replacement.
Greg explained his point by saying D’Angelo Russell had a higher ceiling but a lower floor. Moreover, since the Lakers already have LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves in scoring positions, they would be better off with Gabe Vincent, who has steady hands at the point guard position. While LA can make the suggested change, it will come at a cost. The last time the team tried to sideline Russell, it led to a major cold war between the management and the point guard. A change here would directly upset DLo, who could demand a trade at some point in the next season. The rumors of his exit have been gaining momentum for the past few weeks. Overall, considering all possible scenarios, the Lakers might start with Russell in the opening stretch. But if, at any point, he fails to improve, Vincent will be ready to take up his spot.
LA Has Set Eyes On Hawks’ Point Guard!
With the 2023-24 NBA season approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are tasked to fill up the remaining roster spots. They have 13 locked contracts and need one more to continue the 14-man roster trend. Earlier rumors emerged that the team is targeting a center option, preferably Christian Wood, but things have not fallen into place so far. Amid this, Jovan Buha of the Athletic has come up with fresh speculation.
“Trae Young has long been on Los Angeles’ radar, depending on how his situation unfolds in Atlanta,” wrote Jovan Buha. Trae Young is a two-time all-star point guard who has been the face of the Hawks for the longest time. He has averaged 26.5 points and 9.3 assists on .437 from the field and .351 from three-point range over his five-year career. It is indeed a perfect fit for the Lakers. But will the Hawks be willing to pull the plug?
