Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott has revealed changes are coming with regards to the team's starting lineup. Scott's team sat on a 3-13 record -- prior to Sunday's win against the Toronoto Raptors -- is hoping changing things up will jump-start a winning streak.
"I'm pretty sure I will," said Scott after Sunday's morning shootaround, quoted Inside The Lakers. "Eventually, yes I will."
After Friday night's loss to the Timberwolves, NBC Sports' ProBasketballTalk wrote that there are limited options for the Lakers at this point. Presently, the Lakers start Jeremy Lin, Kobe Bryant, Wesley Johnson, Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill. They have the worst defensive rating of any five--man lineup, notes the site. The Lakers are giving up 121.7 points per 100 possessions.
Without mentioning the exact changes he's got planned, according to the site's analysis, the only major change Scott has at his disposal is "Switching out Lin for Ronnie Price and Boozer or Hill for Ed Davis are the likeliest changes to make. It's tough to see how that will help. This team simply doesn't have the talent to win games."
However, per Lakers Nation, there are more options. Aside from boosting the team's defensive line with Ed Davis in place of Carlos Boozer, Wesley Johnson could be replaced by Nick Young or Wayne Ellington -- the team's best shooter.
Lastly, the Lakers could also benefit from "A Ronnie Price-Jeremy Lin swap could also be considered as Lin's offense could help the bench unit, and maybe Scott will look to get the rookie Jordan Clarkson some more minutes," noted the Lakers Nation.
Successful Bid Against The Toronto Raptors
Team superstar Kobe Bryant led the Lakers team (4-13) to a badly needed win on Sunday night with a 129-122 overtime victory. Scoring his 20th career triple-double, the veteran baller delivered 31 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.
ESPN notes that the win was a collective team effort. Seven players, including the five starters put up double figures to secure the night's victory.
"I was just trying to make the right plays," quoted ESPN of Bryant. "The difference is that when the guys make the shots, it makes my job easier because I don't have to force the offense. When they miss them and we go down 12-15 points, I've got to force the issue a little bit to keep us in the ballgame."
