The Los Angeles Lakers have cut small forward Anthony Brown, meaning the Lakers now have their final 15-man roster. The Lakers decided to keep veteran Metta World Peace and power forward Thomas Robinson.
Some have questioned the decision to keep the older World Peace over the younger Brown. World Peace bring an obvious veteran presence; although just last week, World Peace was rumored to be staying with the Lakers as an assistant coach. One of the more surprising moves occurred on Monday, with Yi Jianlian being waived. The Chinese power forward seemed to on his way to securing a roster spot, but he was ultimately released. Reports suggest Jianlian asked to be released after evaluating his situation with the team.
Lakers 15-Man Roster Finalized
So with the 15-man roster now set, the outlook in Los Angeles is slightly clearer. This season point guard D’Angelo Russell will see his role increase. Guard Jordan Clarkson appears to have fitted into the role of sixth-man well. Lou Williams will start in Clarkson’s place.
Despite being drafted second overall, rookie Brandon Ingram will have to work for his starting place. Veteran Luol Deng is set to play whilst Ingram adjusts to life in the NBA. Power forward Julius Randle is developing slowly, but like Russell, Randle should see his minutes increase this season.
This off-season the Lakers signed center Timofey Mozgov. Mozgov has been struggling with a tailbone injury this pre-season, but he is expected to start in a new look Lakers team.
New head coach Luke Walton is set for his first season as an NBA head coach. Walton isn’t expected to work miracles over night, but this Lakers team hopes to show signs of improvement and growth during the 2016-17 season. The Lakers bench looks a lot stronger than last season, with Clarkson, Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. highlighting a young bench unit.
This roster looks promising and fresh. Expect the Lakers to play much better this season.
Lakers Depth Chart
Point Guards – D’Angelo Russell (Starter), Marcelo Huertas (Bench), Jose Calderon (Bench/Reserve)
Russell will be a key player for the Lakers this season. Huertas and Calderon are both valuable veterans.
Shooting Guards – Lou Williams (Starter), Jordan Clarkson (Sixth Man)
Expect Williams and Clarkson to both play a big role for the Lakers this season. Clarkson is a dark horse for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Small Forward – Luol Deng (Starter), Brandon Ingram (Bench), Nick Young (Bench), Metta World Peace (Reserve)
Deng is a reliable starter, but it’s just a matter of time before Ingram takes over. Young appears to have escaped the abyss. World Peace is a valuable veteran to have around.
Power Forward – Julius Randle (Starter), Larry Nance Jr. (Bench), Thomas Robinson (Bench/Reserve)
Randle is getting better every season, and this season should be no different. Nance brings invaluable hustle to this young team. Robinson will look to finally find a home, as the Lakers are his sixth team in five seasons.
Center – Timofey Mozgov (Starter), Tarik Black (Bench), Ivica Zubac (Reserve)
Mozgov was a big off-season acquisition. Signing a 4-year $64 million deal means pressure will be heaped on Mozgov to play well. Black was also re-signed this off-season and will be a key rotation player this season. Zubac, this year’s second round draft pick, will likely spend time playing in the NBA D-League.
The Lakers begin the new season with a home game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. This could be the beginning of something special in Los Angeles.
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