{"id":105931,"date":"2024-11-09T10:30:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-09T15:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=105931"},"modified":"2024-11-09T10:30:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-09T15:30:16","slug":"russell-reddish-lakers-starting-lineup-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/09\/russell-reddish-lakers-starting-lineup-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Lakers Starting Lineup Changes Sustainable?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant shift in the starting lineup last night, <\/span>moving a struggling<\/span><\/a> D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/span><\/a> to the bench in favor of the defensive-minded Cam Reddish<\/a>. LA walked away with a 116-106 win over the 76ers with solid performances from both players, leading fans to wonder if this change is here to stay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are Lakers Starting Lineup Changes Sustainable?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Background<\/b><\/h3>\n

D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/b><\/h4>\n

Russell was benched for the second consecutive season, though it did not seem to faze him. The tenth-year guard posted 18 points\u2014<\/span>tied<\/span><\/a> for the most by a reserve Laker this season\u2014on 7\/12 shooting from the field and 2\/4 from three-point range. He also tallied two rebounds and three assists with the second unit. Following his performance, <\/span>Russell cleared the air<\/span><\/a> about what many viewed as a demotion for him:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>My approach has been to be professional from Day 1. And I\u2019m committed to it through not playing, through coming off the bench, through whatever it may be. I\u2019m egoless. So, I just want to win\u2026I left all that, all my baggage at the door this summer once we changed coaches and new staff came in. I was committed to whatever it takes. That\u2019s what y\u2019all see now.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Lakers bench has clearly struggled to score, posting an average of 20.6 points per game\u201429th in the league\u2014on .426\/.284\/.857 splits before last night’s game. Russell\u2019s performance certainly elevated their play and ensured he fit in with the rest of the team\u2019s offense and overall game plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cam Reddish<\/b><\/h4>\n

Reddish <\/span>earned the trust<\/span><\/a> of head coach <\/span>JJ Redick<\/span><\/a> following a strong outing against the Pistons, where he put up 15 points (5\/7 FG, 2\/2 3PT) and six rebounds despite LA\u2019s loss. In 27 minutes with the starters, Reddish made the only three he attempted, but also tallied five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Similar to other games, Reddish centered his identity on the defensive side of the ball. He played a pivotal role in limiting Paul George to nine points on 4\/13 shooting. His quiet scoring night was a nod to his unselfishness, as he deferred to the rest of the starters and plugged holes where he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

I think watching how hard the 76ers were trying to get Cam Reddish off of Paul George by forcing switches is telling. What's interesting is that, if Cam should falter at some point, there's a stylistic match by plugging a (hopefully healthy) Jarred Vanderbilt into the role. If\u2026<\/p>\n

— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) November 9, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n