In first 23 games, Lakers starting lineup in near-constant flux
The Lakers (11-12) have used 10 different starting lineups this season through 23 games.
It’s not that Coach Mike D’Antoni is particularly indecisive. Injuries have played a major factor this season for the Lakers.
Kobe Bryant has only four games under his belt after taking eight months to recover from an Achilles’ tendon injury.
Steve Nash played six games before sitting with back and nerve issues.
Steve Blake is out for six weeks with an elbow injury.
Only Pau Gasol has started every game this season, but not always at the same position. D’Antoni has shuffled different big men alongside Gasol in the front court including Jordan Hill, Shawne Williams, Robert Sacre and Chris Kaman, searching for a consistent solution.
D’Antoni has also gone back and forth with Jodie Meeks and Wesley Johnson in the starting unit, sometimes relying on both as injuries dictated.
Nick Young has six starts this season, Xavier Henry two.
The only Lakers who haven’t started are Jordan Farmar and rookie Ryan Kelly. Farmar is currently sidelined with a torn hamstring but should join the starting unit once he returns in the next week or two.
Bryant, Gasol and Farmar should be a consistent unit, at least until Nash and/or Blake get healthy.
D’Antoni will round out the five with whatever combination is producing results for the Lakers.
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Twitter: @EricPincus
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