My quick thoughts on Marc Gasol’s departure, the Lakers’ starting center position and what’s next for LA for @TheAthleticNBA: https://t.co/yAa6XT4EBO
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) September 10, 2021
How will this trade affect the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation next season?
Jovan Buha, Lakers reporter: Gasol was the projected starting center after starting 42 of 52 games for the Lakers last season. His departure opens up a spot in the starting group. The optimal move for Los Angeles would be sliding Anthony Davis to center, but Davis has historically refrained from embracing the center position in the regular season due to the physical workload.
Pushing Davis to center would also allow the Lakers to deploy more modern lineups and alleviate some of the logjam at the four with LeBron James, Trevor Ariza and Carmelo Anthony.
Their two alternative center options — starting Dwight Howard or Deandre Jordan — create spacing concerns alongside Russell Westbrook. The Lakers have several weeks to figure out their starters, but the tea leaves are beginning to suggest Davis may finally start at center.
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