Having already trotted out nine different starting lineups this season, Lakers head coach Byron Scott is preparing to make another change for Sunday’s home tilt with the Boston Celtics.
It will be the fourth time that Scott, who will announce his decision at STAPLES Center before the game, will alter the team’s starting five for non-injury purposes. Throughout the season, Scott has given each starting unit about 15-20 games to gel, but he has left open the possibility of altering the lineup on a night-by-night basis for L.A.’s final 28 contests.
“The one thing I want to do is make sure these guys stay hungry,” Scott said at Saturday’s practice. “I don’t want guys to feel comfortable that they’re going to play 25, 30 minutes a night. Also, I might just play all 12 guys and it’ll be a little over 20 minutes for each guy.”
Jordan Clarkson is the only player who will remain a starter for certain. Scott praised the rookie’s maturation in 11 games as L.A.’s starting point guard, over which he is averaging 13.3 points and 3.9 assists with only 1.7 turnovers.
“I keep getting excited about that kid because his growth is getting better and better,” Scott said. “I’m excited with the way he’s playing. So far, he’s come a long way in a short period of time. And obviously, like we’ve talked about, the summer’s going to be big for him to continue to develop.”
L.A.’s opening lineup has been a carousel this season, as every currently healthy Laker has started at least five games with the exception of Nick Young, who Scott says will continue to come off the bench.
"I'm not thinking about starting Nick yet," Scott said. "... Right now I'm not considering making that move tomorrow or in the next week or so."
The rotation itself has also been in constant flux, with Scott aiming to get a solid evaluation of each of his players heading into the final stretch of the season.
“We know that they’re going to try different things,” Ed Davis said. “That’s what you’ve got to do in situations like this. But everyone has to stay ready and stay professional and just be ready whenever your number is called.”
Scott also mentioned wanting to test different combinations outside of the starting lineup. He especially praised the chemistry among Friday’s fourth-quarter unit — Young, Davis, Ronnie Price, Jeremy Lin and Jordan Hill — which outscored Brooklyn 28-18 in the final frame.
“I liked the group at the end of the game yesterday,” Scott said. “I thought in the fourth quarter they did a heck of a job of giving us a chance toward the end to come back and win the game, but fell short. … That unit did a pretty good job, especially defensively in the fourth quarter.”