NBA analyst urges LA Lakers star to come off bench despite outshining Marcus Smart

With several new faces in the mix, JJ Redick will need to work out the best way to put it all together.

The Lakers have been busy this off-season, making moves that have certainly raised expectations. Adding Deandre Ayton gives them even more firepower alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

With those three names set, Redick still has decisions to make regarding the remaining two spots in the starting line-up.

Jovan Buha picks out five names for the two open LA Lakers’ starting roles

The point guard, small forward, and center positions are settled, leaving only the shooting guard and power forward positions open.

Regarding the competition for the remaining spots, NBA expert Jovan Buha recently offered his candid opinion on the matter. He suggests that the Lakers have five players vying for the last two starting line-up positions.

He explained: “I see five candidates for the final two spots. I see Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent. But really, I think it comes down to Austin, Rui, and Marcus.”

Considering what he did last season, it would not feel right for Reaves to move back to a bench role. He put up 20.2 points along with 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game – numbers that speak for themselves.

So, Buha actually sees a battle between Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura to lock in their places.

“So really it comes down to Marcus Smart vs Rui Hachimura. But going back to the facts with the starters, Marcus Smart is a point-of-attack defender and could also slide up and defend 3s and even some 4s, whereas Rui is primarily a 4 defensively.

“He can guard some 3s, but you’re really taxing him if you’re putting him on 2s and 1s.”

Jovan Buha thinks LA Lakers should bet on Marcus Smart, despite preferring Rui Hachimura