Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Dalvin Hamm addressed the media on Thursday, days before the team begins training camp. Training camp begins with media day on Monday, and while there won’t be a lot of hype for this year’s Purple and Gold Game, the team has as much potential as any version in quite some time.
LeBron James is reportedly healthy and dynamic ahead of his 21st season, and Anthony Davis impressed with his outside shooting during James’ recent minicamp in San Diego. .
Ham said that James, Davis, Austin Reeves and D’Angelo Russell will start in the new season. The fifth spot, on the other hand, will be an open competition (h/t Lakers Daily ).
Daven Ham confirmed the team’s starting backcourt is D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. Hamm said the third frontcourt spot behind LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Reeves and Russell and the fifth spot in the starting lineup are up for grabs in training camp.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) September 28, 2023
The top candidates for fifth appear to be forwards Jared Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura. Vanderbilt occupied the position for much of last season following the Russell Westbrook trade in February, and he’s a good defender but inconsistent on his outside jumper.
Hachimura, on the other hand, is an instant offensive player who excels in isolation and in transition. He’s also played some very effective defense, although he’s not the defensive ace that Vanderbilt was last spring.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire