The offseason debate for the Los Angeles Lakers revolved around the crucial decision of who would fill the final spot in their starting lineup. Initially, Rui Hachimura seemed to have the edge over Marcus Smart, as he was set to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton in a highly anticipated starting five. However, the combination did not yield the desired results, leading to a disappointing net rating of -22.4 over just 87 minutes of play together.
As a result, Hachimura has since been relegated to a permanent bench role. Now, with the Lakers hoping for improved health and performance, the coaching staff is faced with a decision: should second-year coach JJ Redick continue with Jake LaRavia for a traditional fifth starter, or does Marcus Smart solidify his role in that position?
Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has been a vital part of the Lakers’ roster, starting 37 of 44 games this season. His consistent presence could be essential for the team’s success as they aim to remain competitive in the latter half of the season.
Despite initial hesitations regarding Smart’s fit alongside Reaves and Doncic—given that all three are guards—recent statistics have shed a positive light on their compatibility. Although the theoretical lineup of Smart, Reaves, Doncic, James, and Ayton has only logged 12 minutes together, resulting in a concerning net rating of -11.5, the three-guard combination boasts impressive numbers. The trio of Doncic, Reaves, and Smart has excelled, achieving a standout net rating of 25.9 over 172 minutes.
This dynamic trio has demonstrated an offensive rating of 125.3 and a defensive rating of 99.5, alleviating concerns about their ability to coexist on the court. Their complementary skill sets mesh well, suggesting that the Lakers can confidently utilize this three-guard lineup moving forward.
With the season underway, it appears that embracing a non-traditional lineup may be the key to unlocking the Lakers’ full potential. As the team navigates through the challenges ahead, the spotlight will remain on how effectively they can integrate Smart into their starting five while maximizing the talents of their players.