2 starters surprises in the 5 major of the Lakers ?!

While the training camp points the tip of its nose, doubts remain on the composition of the 5 major of the Lakers on the evening of the first game. According to the latest information, the lineup of Californians this year could include not one, but two surprise starters! We take stock.

With a roster as loaded as that of the Lakers, the question of the 5 major is necessarily thorny. If the presences of Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook do not suffer from any dispute, the identity of the other two lucky ones has not yet been revealed by Frank Vogel. What we already know, however, is that AD should indeed officially switch to the pivot position, once and for all. At least that’s what The Athletic says via Shams Charania, Bill Oram and Sam Amick in a joint paper:

Since Davis arrived from New Orleans two years ago, the Lakers’ best lineups were when he played at Position 5. With the arrival of Russell Westbrook, sources claim Davis has emerged as the very likely hub. incumbent.

Axis 1-5 will therefore be the Westbrook-Davis axis, it is now practically established. But what about the rest? The journalists continue:

This change in Davis’s job will allow for a likely Major 5 consisting of Russell Westbrook, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, LeBron James and himself, according to the same sources.

Already mentioned several weeks ago, Ellington’s tenure now seems a virtual certainty – and if it may surprise, it is clearly not stolen. The full-back comes out of a season with more than 42% of three-point success, and he should feast on many open shots alongside the stars of his new squad.

Besides Ellington, another name could find its way into Frank Vogel’s rotation: that of Talen Horton-Tucker. The Athletic confirms:

The young and promising talent Talen Horton-Tucker, who is entering his third season, will have the chance to fight for a possible starting place during the training camp.

Appreciated by management, THT has a door ajar to, why not, take the place of Trevor Ariza in the 5. Now it’s his turn.

Nothing will be set in stone until Frank Vogel himself announces his lineup and ends the suspense, but the trends are clearly starting to emerge. And it is promising.