The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant shift in the starting lineup last night, moving a struggling D’Angelo Russell to the bench in favor of the defensive-minded Cam Reddish. LA walked away with a 116-106 win over the 76ers with solid performances from both players, leading fans to wonder if this change is here to stay.
Are Lakers Starting Lineup Changes Sustainable?
Background
D’Angelo Russell
Russell was benched for the second consecutive season, though it did not seem to faze him. The tenth-year guard posted 18 points—tied for the most by a reserve Laker this season—on 7/12 shooting from the field and 2/4 from three-point range. He also tallied two rebounds and three assists with the second unit. Following his performance, Russell cleared the air about what many viewed as a demotion for him:
“My approach has been to be professional from Day 1. And I’m committed to it through not playing, through coming off the bench, through whatever it may be. I’m egoless. So, I just want to win…I left all that, all my baggage at the door this summer once we changed coaches and new staff came in. I was committed to whatever it takes. That’s what y’all see now.”
The Lakers bench has clearly struggled to score, posting an average of 20.6 points per game—29th in the league—on .426/.284/.857 splits before last night’s game. Russell’s performance certainly elevated their play and ensured he fit in with the rest of the team’s offense and overall game plan.
Cam Reddish
Reddish earned the trust of head coach JJ Redick following a strong outing against the Pistons, where he put up 15 points (5/7 FG, 2/2 3PT) and six rebounds despite LA’s loss. In 27 minutes with the starters, Reddish made the only three he attempted, but also tallied five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Similar to other games, Reddish centered his identity on the defensive side of the ball. He played a pivotal role in limiting Paul George to nine points on 4/13 shooting. His quiet scoring night was a nod to his unselfishness, as he deferred to the rest of the starters and plugged holes where he could.
I think watching how hard the 76ers were trying to get Cam Reddish off of Paul George by forcing switches is telling. What’s interesting is that, if Cam should falter at some point, there’s a stylistic match by plugging a (hopefully healthy) Jarred Vanderbilt into the role. If…
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) November 9, 2024
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The effort did not go unnoticed, particularly from Anthony Davis, who said:
“He’s disruptive, he’s handsy, he’s physical, he’s tough, he slides his feet. That’s what we need. He’s been that for us, especially the last three games. And it stands out. It got him in the rotation. You need a player like that who you kinda just feed off of their energy.”
Both Redick and Austin Reaves were quick to praise both players in how they handled the situation:
Austin Reaves gives Cam Reddish and D’Angelo Russell their flowers
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— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) November 9, 2024
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JJ Redick on Cam Reddish and D’Angelo Russell: “I thought both those guys starred in the roles they had tonight.”
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 9, 2024
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New Lakers Lineup Going Forward?
It’s just one game, but the lineup shift is a welcome change from Redick and one that, at least for now, could pay dividends in the near future. Many have pointed out how the Lakers have found a perfect balance that helps their starters with defense and their bench with scoring. It’s one of several keys for the Lakers to get back on track in their next few contests, which includes a rematch with Memphis.
ALL I SEE IS 5-0
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— GoldenKnight (@GoldenKnightGFX) November 9, 2024
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One area to watch is how the rest of the supporting cast improves under Russell’s leadership. Jaxson Hayes finished with eight points on 3/4 shooting, along with two blocks. The performance showed how he’s become a serviceable big man behind Anthony Davis. Gabe Vincent, however, continued to struggle, who scored two points in 16 minutes and passed up this look from beyond the arc. Russell has done an excellent job of getting his teammates involved, but it’s up to LA’s other reserves to take advantage of opportunities he gives them.
Another aspect is whether this adjustment could stay upon Jarred Vanderbilt’s return. Vanderbilt, similar to Reddish, is a hard-nosed defender who emerged as a key ball-stopper for the Lakers last season. Given Redick’s plan to make Vando an essential part of the team’s defense, there’s a chance the 25-year-old ramps up to replace Reddish in the starting five next to Reaves, James, Davis and Rui Hachimura—an idea not out of the realm of possibility, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
The Last Word
Overall, the Lakers appear to have found a sustainable approach in the short-term that could pay off down the line. There is always a possibility that Russell rejoins the starting lineup and ends up finding his groove there. But for now, the team has unlocked a successful option in a season full of experiments.
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