Should The Lakers Return To Their 2023 Starting Five?

Your Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a frustrating slump. As February approaches, the Purple and Gold are one game below a .500 record.

The team's performance has been consistently inconsistent, leaving players and fans alike discontent with the current standings. Despite the anticipation of potential trades, the Lakers can't solely rely on external changes, as those elements are beyond their control. 

What they can manage, however, is their internal dynamics, specifically the starting lineup.

Head coach Darvin Ham has been scrutinized throughout the season for his lineup choices. The commonly used configuration of D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis has failed to produce positive results.

The dissatisfaction among fans is palpable. However, there exists a proven alternative: the lineup featuring Reaves, Russell, James, Davis, and Jarred Vanderbilt.

This lineup has a history of success, notably carrying the Lakers to last year's Western Conference Finals. The chemistry among these players is evident, offering a level of familiarity that the team sorely needs amid a season marred by injuries and player rotations. 

Despite its imperfections, the lineup has demonstrated its efficacy on the court, making one wonder why Ham has been hesitant to revert to it.

The reluctance to embrace what has worked in the past might be rooted in pride or other unknown factors. Despite the lackluster results, Ham's tendency to incorporate Prince into the lineup adds to the perplexity. Also, Ham has made it clear that he does not want any more lineup-related questions from the media. 

The lineup that propelled the Lakers to the brink of the NBA Finals may not be flawless, but it undeniably works. This was evident in their recent double-overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors, a game where the familiar five-man unit showed its effectiveness. As the team navigates through the uncertainties surrounding the trade deadline, the question remains: Will Ham make the necessary adjustments to capitalize on a lineup that has proven its worth? Only time will tell, and fans shouldn't hold their breath for a lineup change anytime soon. 

We may never see the D-Lo, Reaves, James, AD, and Vanderbilt lineup start again.