Los Angeles Lakers: Projected 2014 Starting Lineup

Photo Credit: thedailychuckle

LOS ANGELES- After a terrible 2013-14 season, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to rebuild and try to return to the playoffs. A season plagued with injuries and lack of talent is now in the past and with the return of Kobe Bryant, the offseason acquisitions of Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin, and drafting Julius Randle, things are looking good for the Lakers. The Lakers also added Byron Scott as the new head coach. He is an experienced coach who will help lead the Lakers to playoff contention sooner then expected. Here is a look at the projected 2014 Lakers starting lineup:

Point Guard – Jeremy Lin: Jeremy Lin was traded to the Lakers in the offseason as he will look to rebuild his image of “Linsanity”. Lin is a player who works hard for his spot on the team, but he lacks the same abilities other point guards in the league have. He has games where he can look like the best player on the floor, but other times, he can struggle. Lin has built his career on short stints where his numbers are better than players like Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook, but when he is cold, teams question if his contract is worth the money. The Lakers can take the inconsistency from Lin with a player like Kobe Bryant as his backcourt partner. He should be the starting point guard all year long.

Shooting Guard – Kobe Bryant: The player who has proved himself to be one of the best scorers in the NBA plans to make his return after being sidelined with injury. He is a champion with a goal to win. With a desire to win comes a desire to want the ball and that’s exactly what he gets. Bryant will have to get used to playing with some new teammates, but as long as they give him the ball often, everything should work out well. He gives it his all every night and when the team needs him, he puts the team on his back. No one will ever take his spot on the team as long as he is healthy. Expect him to return to his old scoring ways.

Small Forward – Nick Young: Last season when the team lost key players to injury, Nick Young stepped up. Young is a player who scores… and that’s it. He doesn’t do anything else, but his scoring is pretty valuable for the Lakers. Young is fearless, which is a good asset, but that sometimes leads to bad shots. At the start, Young and Kobe may not work that well together because they both want to be the main scoring option on the team. As the season goes on, they will work things out and hopefully be able to use both of their offensive talents to help the team. Of course, if things don’t workout, Young will be the one on the bench or traded away. Hopefully this works out for the Lakers and if it does, the Lakers will be much closer to getting back to the playoffs.

Power Forward – Julius Randle: The Lakers first round pick from in the 2014 NBA Draft is set to have a big rookie season. Even though Carlos Boozer is on the team, if the Lakers want Randle to grow as a player, he should be the starter. Randle is one of the most NBA-ready player coming out of the draft and he is ready to work hard at the NBA level. Randle plays hard and he is a bully in the paint. He fights for every rebound and he isn’t afraid to go against anyone that comes in the paint. He needs to work on his jump shot and free throw, but he is still young and can learn fast. Randle should have a bright future as the Lakers starting power forward. Boozer will fight for the spot and it will be tough for the Lakers coaching staff to choose, but it’s a great problem to have.

Center – Jordan Hill: Jordan Hill was re-signed by the Lakers this offseason and he is known as one of the most physical players in the league. He has experienced injury issues in the past, but if he is healthy the Lakers will have a very physical back court. Hill is not a huge producer on offense, but he does his part for the team. Hill will add more youth to the starting lineup besides Randle. He will play big minutes if he is healthy and with no other real competition for center, Hill should be starting all season long. The Lakers could be looking to sign or trade for another center if he struggles. Expect Hill to have a strong season this year to prove he is a capable of being a solid starter in the NBA.

The Lakers are looking to rebuild and with a new coach and new players, this season will tell if they are headed in the right direction. It will be difficult for the Lakers to make the playoffs in a strong western conference, but they will be in contention for a bottom spot. Laker fans can be excited about the future of their team but they may not be the kings of LA anymore.