LA Lakers' depth chart updated: How does the team line up their starting 5 after getting Mo Bamba, D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and more?
With the trade deadline behind us, we now have a look at the roster the LA Lakers will look to ride to a championship. Although the blockbuster Kyrie Irving-LeBron James reunion didn't take place, general manager Rob Pelinka did a great job positioning the team to win.
As the Lakers (25-30) look to make a run at the playoffs, let's take a look at their depth chart and all the trades they made to get to this point.
LA Lakers' updated depth chart
When looking at the Lakers' depth chart, it becomes clear that they added some depth. With a playmaking scorer like D'Angelo Russell as a starter, the team will have much better 3-point shooting. Behind him at point guard will be Dennis Schroder, who has shown he's a more-than-capable scorer.
At shooting guard, the team will likely start Malik Beasley, a solid role player who can hold his own on defense while scoring some efficient buckets. Although he's had some ups-and-downs this season, he'll add some solid 3-point shooting. Behind him in the depth chart will be Davon Reed, who the team acquired from Denver.
At small forward, of course, they'll have LeBron James starting. He's followed by Austin Reeves and Lonnie Walker, who both have shown that they can compete late in games this season when healthy. However, both are still working their way back up to 100% after suffering injuries.
Thanks to the LA Lakers' January trade for Hachimura, the team will continue to start him at the 4. Behind him, Jarred Vanderbilt is likely to get solid minutes thanks to his defense. In addition, they retained Troy Brown Jr. and Wenyen Gabriel at the deadline, both have impressed at points throughout the season.
At center, Anthony Davis will likely start at small ball 5 when healthy, now that they have parted ways with Thomas Bryant. However, considering the acquisition of Mo Bamba, AD could move to his true position at the 4.
With plenty of depth, it will be interesting to see how coach Darvin Ham handles things.
LA Lakers moves ahead of the deadline
The Lakers kicked things off in late January when they traded for Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards. The trade trade saw them part ways with Kendrick Nunn as they added a great multi-positional defender.
Wednesday's three-team trade saw the Lakers pick up defensive standout Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley from the Utah Jazz. In addition, the team acquired D'angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal that saw them finally part ways with Russell Westbrook.
Before the deadline was up on Thursday, the team parted ways with Patrick Beverley, as well as starting center Thomas Bryant, while picking up Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic.
As the team sits in 13th place in the West, only time will tell how things play out in LA.