Lakers News: Insider Reveals Which Point Guard LA Is Expected To Start

No starting spot is guaranteed for LA..

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed former Miami Heat point guard Gabe Vincent, many wondered what it meant for free agent guard D'Angelo Russell. However, the Lakers and Russell did end up agreeing to a new deal so both players will enter the season as the point guards for the roster. But which one of them will start? 

Lakers insider Jovan Buha for The Athletic gave his insight on which guard would likely start the season as the starter.

"The projected lineups are fluid. Russell is the early favorite to start at point guard, but Vincent could earn the spot if he outplays him in training camp, team sources told

The Athletic

."

Per The Athletic

This seems like the correct way to go about things as Russell flourished in his role with the team last season up until the Western Conference Finals. He started to build chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis over the course of the second part of the season so the team likely wants to continue growing that.

Russell was a key piece and reason for why the Lakers made it as far as they did in the postseason. The team may not have even reached the postseason without the contributions of Russell so giving him the starting role is sensible, assuming he earns it. 

Vincent seems like he will be replacing Dennis Schroder for LA so him manning the second unit seems appropriate at this time. Both players have different skillsets and could be called upon to start depending on matchups and performance. 

Additionally, the Lakers could always move Russell if things don't work out as Buha pointed out.

"This is a temporary marriage of convenience for both parties. The Lakers can move Russell during the 2023-24 season, and Russell gained the ability to opt out and sign elsewhere next summer."

Per The Athletic

Head coach Darvin Ham hasn't been shy about his plan to utilize different lineups depending on performance. He said last season "facts over feelings" and it remains true to this day. 

The Lakers are on a mission to bring banner number 18 to the organization so if someone isn't playing up to par then they will be placed on the bench accordingly. 

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