On October 1, Beijing time, Lakers coach Ham was interviewed after the team's training and talked about the starting lineup of the new season. Ham did not hide or shirk, and bluntly stated that he currently uses in training camp. The Lakers have confirmed the start early, which is conducive to running-in.
"Since training camp, the team's starting lineup is LeBron James , Anthony Davis , Russell Westbrook , Kendrick Nunn and Damian Jones ." Hamm said.
This set of starters is the Big Three plus Nunn and Jones. Nunn defeated competitors such as Lonnie Walker and Reeves in one fell swoop in the competition for the shooting guard position. Jones defeated Thomas Bryant temporarily became the starting center.
Bryant After returning from a serious injury last season, his athletic ability has declined. Damian Jones was more active in training camp, and his energy and defense touched Ham.
"Damian (Jones) is a very young and athletic big man. He runs like a deer and feels like he can jump to the ceiling. He has a good sense of defense. He is always trying to protect the rim. The quality of the cover is high and he can constantly create threats under the rim." Hamm said. Hamm mentioned Jones' characteristics here, which are good athletic ability, strong defensive awareness, high screening quality, and can be at the same time have offensive threats at the basket.
Jones is a big man with three-point shooting ability and can open up space. Last season, Jones averaged 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game with the Kings, with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.5%.
Nun beats other candidates in the competition because the competition in this position is too fierce. Nunn, who had been recuperating for a season, was in excellent form in training.
"Kendrick (Nunn) has been killing all day, and I don't think he lost the ball." Ham said this. Ham also emphasized that Nunn can score in three areas (outside the three-point line, middle distance and inside), and on the defensive end he is like a water bug, able to squeeze through the pick-and-roll, avoid cover and maintain confrontation.
The Lakers' lineup depth is also enviable. On the bench are Schroder , Lonnie Walker, Beverly , Reeves, Thomas Bryant, Troy Brown , Tuscano Anderson, Christie, Sweed, Pippen Jr. The coach Ham needs to weigh the arrangements.