One of the Lakers’ underlying issues throughout the season has been their paltry bench scoring. While their starting lineup has been great, their bench has left much to be desired.
Rui Hachimura’s emergence in recent games as a viable scoring option off the bench has been a huge boost in that regard. For really the first time since joining the Lakers, Rui is not in the starting lineup but he’s not letting that impact him, as evidenced by Monday’s showing in Chicago.
When Austin Reaves soon returns,
the Lakers should be healthy for the first time in a long time. So, on the precipice of that, let’s look at the current rotation.
Starters: Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton
Rui Hachimura
It’s still early in this new role for Rui, but his willingness to come off the bench and the groove he’s in are all encouraging signs for what could be coming.
Jarred Vanderbilt
It feels long ago that Vando was out of the rotation entirely. Now, he’s a consistent piece and while he’s never going to be able to offer much offensively, he’s found ways to impact the game again defensively.
Jaxson Hayes
Hayes certainly has the trust of Redick, at least relative to Deandre Ayton. Redick has turned to Hayes in recent games to close the contest.
Ideally, this is a short-term trend, but Hayes has also done well in that span, too. His high motor in contrast to Ayton certainly stands out.
Gabe Vincent
It’s been quite the fall for Vincent this season. After being a stalwart in the rotation last year, Vincent’s spot seems as tenous as ever. With Reaves set to return, someone is going to fall out of the rotation. Right now, it seems like that will be either Vincent or Drew Timme and there isn’t much of an argument for the former to keep getting minutes.
Drew Timme
Could Timme be the newest two-way signing to make an impact for the Lakers? It’s only been a handful of games, but he’s given the Lakers something they haven’t had. And with him in the rotation, the Lakers have a new look they can go to with multiple bigs on the floor.
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