The Lakers are making a few big changes to their starting lineup as they look to avoid elimination at the hands of the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
Throughout the series, Los Angeles has battled with Denver, and, specific to Games 2 and 3, the Lakers have seemingly run out of steam before coming up short late. In response, head coach Darvin Ham has made a few changes that he has been considering for a week now.
The change is a shake-up involving Rui Hachimura and Dennis Schroder. Here is why the Lakers are opting for a different look.
MORE: How has LeBron James performed when facing a sweep?
Who is starting for the Lakers in Game 4?
Ahead of the potential elimination game, Turner Sports' Chris Haynes broke the news that Ham and the Lakers would go with a starting lineup of Schroder, Hachimura, Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers will start Dennis Schröder, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis tonight against Denver Nuggets , league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 22, 2023
Starters@ToyotaSoCal | #SuitingUpTogether pic.twitter.com/QHcq5mEf7O
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 23, 2023
In a corresponding move, D'Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt will come off the bench in Game 4.
Ham first considered inserting Hachimura into the starting lineup ahead of Game 2 but ultimately decided to try alternative lineups. Prior to Haynes' report, Ham hinted a change was coming, saying that "you want to have your main guys play the lion’s share of the minutes."
From a strategic standpoint, the change makes plenty of sense for the Lakers.
Through the first three games of the series, Russell has struggled mightily, averaging just 7.0 points while shooting 29.6 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from 3-point range. Vanderbilt started in two of the first three games of the series and while his defensive impact has been important during the postseason, he has totaled just six points.
Hachimura, on the other hand, has been one of LA's best performers in the series, posting an average of 17.0 points per game while shooting 63.6 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from 3-point range. In Game 3, Hachimura scored 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting.
The Lakers will look to give the Nuggets different defensive looks in order to slow down the duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Offensively, the Lakers will look to avoid getting into an early hole — they trailed by as many as 14 points in the first quarter of Game 3.
Lakers starting lineups in series vs. Nuggets
- Game 1: Dennis Schroder, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Anthony Davis
- Game 2: D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis
- Game 3: D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis
How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 4
- Date: Monday, May 22
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Sling TV
Lakers vs. Nuggets will air on ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering $10 off your first month! Stream the sports you love starting at just $30 in your first month with Sling Orange to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish
