With training camp underway for the 2023-24 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have four starters set in stone: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves.
As a result, speculation has flourished over who will get that fifth and final starting job when the regular season tips off in a couple of weeks.
Buy Lakers TicketsA report a few days ago indicated Rui Hachimura was the early favorite to earn that spot. However, during the Lakers’ final scrimmage on Tuesday, Jarred Vanderbilt ran with the starters. One has to wonder if that means he will be the fifth starter.
For those keeping track, the starters are all wearing purple jerseys (Davis, Reaves) with the bench players wearing white (Vincent, Wood, Prince, etc.). Jarred Vanderbilt is wearing purple; Rui Hachimura is wearing white. That suggests Vando got run with the starters (at least in…
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 3, 2023
Vanderbilt was a starter for most of last season after arriving in February’s Russell Westbrook trade. His ability to guard wings and guards on the perimeter makes him an attractive candidate, but his inability to consistently hit open 3-pointers is a sizable concern.
