Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers formed their 2019-20 roster in July, there’s been much discussion on who would be in the starting lineup. Of course, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are guaranteed to be in it, with Danny Green also being pretty close to a mortal lock. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis being flexible with where in the lineup they can go, there are many possibilities to who can fill those final two spots. Kyle Kuzma may compete for a starting spot, with JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard potentially competing for the center position. However, on Friday there was a surprising name reported to be potentially factored into Frank Vogel’s 2019-20 starting lineup, and that is Avery Bradley (reported by Ohm Youngmisuk/ESPN).
Frank Vogel says no decisions have been made about starting lineups. Lakers will take a look at different combinations in camp. A source said Rajon Rondo has impressed in the last few weeks. Avery Bradley also could factor in as well to start in… https://t.co/qC1XdWoMSc
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) September 27, 2019
It’s been debated how big of a role Bradley may have with the team, with this report at least confirming that he will have substantial playing time with the squad. It’s interesting though that he would be considered for the starting lineup, as that would seem to create problems throughout the rest of the lineup.
It’s been emphasized by Anthony Davis himself that he isn’t keen to playing the center position, so it’s extremely doubtful he starts there. That means McGee or Howard will probably start at the five position with Anthony Davis at the four. That theoretically leaves LeBron James at the small forward position with Danny Green at the shooting guard position. So would Avery Bradley potentially be the team’s starting point guard?
Although Bradley is a bit of a two-guard, being able to play and guard at the point guard and shooting guard position, he’s definitely not a solid point guard on the offensive end. The more realistic option at point guard is the other name mentioned in the tweet, Rajon Rondo, who figures to be a big part of this team in the upcoming season.
Now, of course, the thing that could make this work is LeBron James starting at the point guard position. The idea was reported to be considered by the Lakers a few months ago, and would allow Avery Bradley to play the two with Danny Green at the three. The opportunity for Bradley would be huge, as he has had sub-par play since leaving the Boston Celtics after the 2016-17 season.
The Lakers signed him for his 3-point shooting and more importantly his talent on the defensive end where Bradley intends to have a big season.
Avery Bradley wants to prove he's the "best perimeter defender in the NBA."
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) September 27, 2019
We will see if Bradley’s defense is good enough to get him on the starting lineup as we get closer to the season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22nd.
