The Los Angeles Lakers appear just about set with their current roster as they prepare to enter training camp. The team was extremely limited in the moves they could afford to make thanks to the inflated salaries of Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant. However, they managed to acquire a group of players that at least sticks with the team's long-term outlook, meaning they have expiring deals. With the season approaching, the next step is figuring out the starting lineup.
According to the Los Angeles Daily News, head coach Byron Scott has tentatively put together who he believes can start in 2014. Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Carlos Boozer, Jordan Hill and possibly Wesley Johnson will make up the starting five for the Lakers to begin the season. That means Nick Young, Jeremy Lin and rookie Julius Randle will come off the bench with the reserves. However, some reports say that Scott is not sold on the idea of making Nash the starter over Lin.
Bill Oram of the Orange County Register noted that Scott told the media on Wednesday that Nash looks healthier than he has been in the past two seasons, but he is unsure if that means the point guard is a starter for the Lakers or not. Los Angeles acquired Lin via a trade with the Houston Rockets where he spent time as both a starter and sixth man. He played well in both roles, but did not excel enough as a starter to instill confidence. Nash has not been healthy or productive in the past two years, making this situation tough.
No matter what, the starting lineup cannot please everyone. Young certainly has no plans coming off the bench after signing a contract extension this summer. However, having his scoring numbers come off with the reserves could serve the Lakers well. There is also the question of fitting in Randle since some believe he can be an immediate starter for the Lakers. Scott favors Boozer with his veteran knowledge and proven abilities, but that could change come training camp.
This lineup is certainly not set in stone. Nash still has a lot of questions to answer regarding his health and whether or not it will last during the duration of the season. The Lakers have made it a goal to go big in 2015, making this a stop-gap season that could go one of two ways for the team.