What hierarchy at the Lakers?

With their good summer recruitment, the Lakers now have a quality squad. Now we have to put all these little people to music and that takes time, Darvin Ham knows that, but also choices.

For now, the Los Angeles coach is looking. He has his five majors and his replacements, but the rotations he makes are not always readable. The proof with LeBron James, who was only supposed to play between 28 and 30 minutes on average, but has just spent 35 minutes on the floor against the Suns, then 39 in Sacramento.

“I have to look at the rotations, that we examine that closely so that the players are in rhythm,” he announces for the Los Angeles Times. “We have a lot of players. I played in the NBA and it’s important to know when you enter, when you play. I’m going to start by taking care of our rotations. This is probably the most important thing I think about. »

Cam Reddish, for example, started the season with 17 minutes against the Nuggets and only played 5 minutes in Sacramento. Christian Wood, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes certainly had more regular minutes, but they are used here and there.

The proof: Darvin Ham and the Lakers, after three matches, have already used ten combinations of five players for more than five minutes. In comparison, Mike Brown and the Kings, also in three games, only show five.

“It doesn’t matter who’s on the floor, it’s a matter of effort at this stage.”

Having players who come in and out so regularly and sometimes for just a few moments logically slows down the collective chemistry. Without forgetting that Jarred Vanderbilt, essential in the playoffs last season, will return in a few days.

“When we are on the pitch, we have to make it work with the other four players with us,” says LeBron James. “We try to be complementary with the others, offensively and defensively. Until the coach finds a rhythm, until we know the patterns, we simply have to play. »

Darvin Ham will have to establish a clearer hierarchy and install well-defined rotations on which he can rely throughout the season. In the meantime, Anthony Davis demands intensity.

“Gabe Vincent missed part of the preseason, so he’s still finding his rhythm. Austin Reaves is also looking for his shot. Jarred Vanderbilt is absent even though he is very important on defense,” list inside. ” We search. We have new players. I think we play pretty well when we are solid on the offensive rebound and in transition. It doesn’t matter who’s on the floor, it’s a matter of effort at this point. »