Coach Darvin Ham is starting to impress his style on the Los Angeles Lakers roster, and unlike Frank Vogel, he seems to have a lot more options for his starting lineup heading into the 2022-23 NBA season.
Here’s the quintet Ham has been fielding during practice with preseason in mind.
1. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook will ultimately continue with the Lakers and remain the team’s starting playmaker, though he will have to perform to remain in that role. He is coming off averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game last season.
2. Kendrick Nunn
Nunn was unable to play during 2021-22 after suffering a preseason injury that kept him sidelined. He is fully recovered and would be one of Ham’s favorite players because of his work in training camps.
3. LeBron James
The “King” is coming off another solid season despite his absences due to physical problems, averaging more than 30 points for the first time in 15 years. He finished with a stat line of 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. His minute load is expected to be reduced this season.
4. Anthony Davis
Davis again struggled in terms of consistency, missing half of the games last season. He would come into the 2022 preseason in excellent physical condition and under Ham could return to his natural position at power forward. He averaged 23.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
5. Damian Jones
One of the surprises so far is the coaching staff’s preference for Damian Jones over Thomas Bryant and Wenyen Gabriel. The former Kings player comes after the best season of his career as a role figure, averaging 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 18 minutes of play.