The fallout from the brawl in their second game of the season continues to be felt by the Lakers, but perhaps not in the way initially expected. With Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram suspended for 2 and 3 games, respectively, the question was who would step up in their absence, and would the team be able to scrap together any results without two impact players. After two straight wins without them, the situation has shifted somewhat.
The Lakers are 2-1 since the two starters were suspended and have bounced back well after starting the season 0-3. This is thanks in no small part to the play of Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma, who have done more than just deputize since the suspensions. Kuzma in particular has jump-started our offense and has slotted in perfectly next to LeBron. In fact, the two have looked so good together that Ingram’s formerly assured starting spot looks considerably more tenuous than anyone expected. For his part, Lonzo has performed capably at point in addition to – even more critically, considering LBJ’s ability to function as the primary play maker – playing some stellar defense. With Rondo and Ingram set to come back over the next two games, the question now becomes: do they get their starting spots back?
There are obviously conflicting views on this, but I would argue that at least one of these is a no-brainer. Lonzo Ball is a better all around player than Rondo, with his entire career ahead of him and, so far this season at least, a much improved jump shot and the willingness to take one. With Rondo out of the line-up, Lonzo has averaged 12.7 pts, 6.7 assists, and 6.3 rebounds, while shooting 54% from the field and 40% from three. He has looked more confident each game and, crucially, has played exceptional defense. We have been hovering at or near the bottom in defensive efficiency, so inserting a strong individual defender with the ability to grab five steals in a single game – bringing his stat line against the formerly undefeated Nuggets to 12, 8, 6, and 5 – is always going to help the team.
Kuzma’s impact has arguably been even bigger. He has averaged 25.3 points per game since entering the starting line-up, including a 37 point explosion against the Spurs. He has looked like a natural complement to LeBron James, taking advantage of the space the superstar creates to find room around the rim. His ability to shoot the three also helps space the floor, creating openings for other players, like the suddenly and surprisingly effective Lance Stephenson. Our offense has simply looked more fully formed since his insertion into the starting line-up, to the extent that moving him back to the bench in favor of Ingram feels like a move in the wrong direction.
The point guard problem is the easier one to solve because it should be clear to all involved that Lonzo is the deserved starter. Rondo is a talented veteran with a legendary basketball IQ, and his skill set is perfectly suited to coming off the bench. He would help anchor the second unit, providing guidance for a group of guys that largely lacks the ability to create offense on their own. The fact that he is nearing the end of his career makes moving him to the bench a much easier proposition because it’s a natural fit and confidence isn’t going to be an issue for him
The same can’t be said for Brandon Ingram. At the start of the season, the consensus was that he was the Lakers’ second best player and the team’s ultimate performance would depend on his ability to slot in next to LeBron. If anything, his absence has proven that, while fitting in with LeBron certainly is paramount, he may not be the player most suited to fill that role. The problem with choosing Kuzma over him is that Ingram is at a pivotal moment in his career. He is no longer a complete newcomer and needs to take the next step with his game in order to fulfill the potential everyone has seen in him. Benching him so early in the season, and so soon after the arrival of LeBron, could prove devastating to his self-confidence as well as to his progression as a player.
The answer to this conundrum isn’t entirely clear. Do you put Ingram back into the starting line-up and implement some creative rotations to get Kuzma as much time as possible on the floor next to LeBron? Do you bring him in off the bench and risk damaging his confidence? Is there a third route that would allow you to get both of them into the starting unit? I seriously doubt that’s possible, especially since Josh Hart has proven that he also deserves to be a starter, but some sort of creative response to the wealth of talent on the wing needs to be devised. I’ve always been a proponent of going with the hot hand, but this particular conundrum has me stumped. Luke Walton’s ability to navigate a path through these waters will go a long way toward determining the ultimate outcome of the Lakers’ season. Here’s hoping they figure it all out sooner rather than later.
