• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Cold Wire

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About

The Cold Wire

Breaking News, Sports, Entertainment, TV, Tech ...

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About
You are here: Home / Sports / NBA / Ideal Lakers Starting Lineup with Russell Westbrook In Town

Ideal Lakers Starting Lineup with Russell Westbrook In Town

August 3, 2021
By Brian Haedrich
@HaedrichBrian
Leave a Comment
Follow Brian Haedrich on Google News Follow Us

Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Capital One Arena on April 28, 2021 in Washington, DC.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

 

The Los Angeles Lakers made the first major trade of the offseason last Thursday night.

Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft were sent to the Washington Wizards.

Russell Westbrook, a 2024 second-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick were sent back to the Lakers.

The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook, 2024 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and No. 22 tonight, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021

The trade is not official until the salary cap is announced on August 6.

But it is a homecoming for the Los Angeles native Westbrook who teams up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to form a “Big 3”.

Westbrook is coming off his fourth season averaging a triple-double and should be able to alleviate some playmaking burdens from LeBron.

The Lakers now have three stars on the roster but the fit on paper is not clean cut.

Los Angeles will need to surround their “Big 3” with quality supporting talent.

Before the start of free agency, the Lakers had only five players under contract for next season at the combined cost of more than $125 million.

Salaries on the Lakers cap sheet to start 2021-22:

A. Davis – $35,361,360
M. Gasol – $2,692,991
L. James – $41,180,544
A. McKinnie – $1,910,860 (non-guaranteed)
R. Westbrook – $44,211,146

Total – $125,356,901

Projected Cap = $112,414,000
Projected Tax = $136,606,000@spotrac

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 30, 2021

Filling out the roster will require some cap gymnastics by the front office.

The veteran talent pool and bargain bin will need to be scoured to put together a title-supporting cast.

Here is a look at what the Lakers should be looking for in supporting talent and who their dream starting lineup would consist of.

 

Supporting Talent

Shooting should be priority number one when searching for offseason signings.

Especially when putting them next to three guys who are not the best shooters from deep.

LeBron (36.5 percent), AD (26 percent), and Westbrook (31.5 percent) were all below the league average from three (36.7 percent).

And none of them attempted five or more per game.

Rob Pelinka will need to find knock-down shooters to put around his three stars to maximize their talents.

LA should also look for players that play solid perimeter defense.

Three-and-D is a phrase that may be overused around the league today, but there is good reason for it.

That archetype of player is vital to how many teams operate on the court.

Los Angeles will be no different.

Shooters will be important to space the floor and allow Westbrook, James, and Davis room to operate.

And with both Westbrook and James not being the defenders they used to be, having quality point-of-attack stoppers will be crucial to allow both players to save their energy to run the offense.

 

Lakers Dream Starting Five

With the type of player needed to round out the starting five defined, here is what a dream lineup would look like for the Lakers.

PG – Russell Westbrook

SG – Wayne Ellington

SF – Trevor Ariza

PF – LeBron James

C – Anthony Davis

While Davis has made it clear he prefers playing PF, reports have stated he agreed to play more center to fit Westbrook better this year.

He is not a great three-point shooter, but he can still space the floor with his jumper.

The Lakers need to maximize the shooting ability from their other two lineup pieces which makes it almost impossible to start a traditional center.

Moving Davis to the center position and James to the PF position lets the Lakers slot two floor-spacing wings in the 2 and 3 positions.

Ellington shot 42.2 percent on six attempts per game last season.

Ariza shot 35 percent on 4.8 attempts per game last year.

Ellington is a bit of a defensive liability, but Ariza plays solid perimeter defense and can defend across multiple positions.

They will open up driving lanes for James and Westbrook and provide targets for them to kick out to.

The frontcourt of Ariza, James, and Davis will allow the Lakers to be ultra-switchable on defense.

And Davis will remain the rim deterrent he has been throughout his career.

Ellington and Ariza should give the Lakers’ three stars plenty of room to work on offense and keep the defense respectable.

    Get ALL the latest NBA news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cold Wire NBA newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Los Angeles Lakers Rumors And News (Updated Daily), NBA Tagged With: Los Angeles Lakers

About Brian Haedrich

Philly fan writing for The Cold Wire. Terp Alumn #TrustTheProcess

Suggest a correction

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow The Cold Wire!

More Los Angeles Lakers News

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during play against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Charles Barkley Pokes Fun At LeBron James Being Named All-Star Captain

20 hours ago

Los Angeles Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka, smiles as he speaks to the press during Los Angeles Laker media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 27, 2019 in El Segundo, California.

NBA Analyst Says 1 Player Is The 'Missing Link' For The Lakers

21 hours ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

All Eyes Are On LeBron James’ Upcoming Milestone

2 days ago

Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts before taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

NBA World Remembers Kobe Bryant

2 days ago

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Anthony Davis Had A Powerful Return For The Lakers

2 days ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Gregg Popovich Describes What LeBron James Is Like On The Court

2 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards shoots against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Latest Lakers Addition Is Preparing For His Debut

3 days ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

LeBron James Crosses Another Unreal Feat Off His List

3 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the New York Knicks in the second half at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

NBA Insider Reveals Potential Rui Hachimura Lakers Debut

3 days ago

Bronny James #0 of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers during the Hoophall West tournament against the Perry Pumas at Footprint Center on December 11, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bronny James Tops List Of Most Valuable Young Athletes

3 days ago

Los Angeles Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka, smiles as he speaks to the press during Los Angeles Laker media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 27, 2019 in El Segundo, California.

Rob Pelinka Sends Clear Message After Rui Hachimura Trade

3 days ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

LeBron James Made NBA History On Tuesday Night

3 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards shoots against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Graphic Shows Rui Hachimura Ready To Help The Lakers

4 days ago

Magic Johnson speaks during When We All Vote Inaugural Culture Of Democracy Summit on June 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Magic Johnson Comments On The Rui Hachimura Trade

4 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards looks on in the second half against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Lakers Share Hype Video For Their Newest Addition

4 days ago

Paul George keeps the ball from Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 114-101 Clippers win at Crypto.com Arena on November 09, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

A Major NBA Rivalry Will Meet Tuesday Night

4 days ago

Head coach Darvin Ham (L) and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talk before a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99.

The Lakers Have 2 Familiar Trade Targets On The Market

5 days ago

Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers watch warm-ups before Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona.

NBA World Reacts To Monday's Lakers Trade

5 days ago

General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media during a press conference at Staples Center on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

NBA Insider Reveals Long-Awaited Lakers Trade

5 days ago

Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards looks on in the second half against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.

The Lakers Are In Talks For Wizards Star

5 days ago

Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers mimics Damian Lillard's "Dame Time" signature gesture during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

Patrick Beverley Trolled Damian Lillard In A Must-See Way

5 days ago

Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits as he dribbles the ball during a 122-121 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on January 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Major Lakers Trade Rumor Has Returned

5 days ago

Dennis Schroder #17 and Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a basket during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

The Lakers Had A Sunday Night Thriller Filled With History

5 days ago

Thomas Bryant #31 of the Los Angeles Lakers is introduced before a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99.

Lakers Big Man Had A Career Night On Sunday

5 days ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Cold Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact Us

Sitemap

Advertise

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheColdWire.com

Suggest a Correction

Ideal Lakers Starting Lineup with Russell Westbrook In Town

1000 characters remaining