Ahead of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton made some changes in the starting line-up, preferring to go small with Rajon Rondo, Reggie Bullock, Brandon Ingram, LeBron James, and Kyle Kuzma.
The gamble worked, as they earned a much-needed win against the Pels, 125-119.
However, Walton said postgame that he's not committed to retaining the said starting line-up against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
The Lakers went small against the Pelicans, knowing that Anthony Davis is the only legitimate big man that can dominate them down low. However, the Bucks will be fielding in a frontcourt trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton. Milwaukee will be able to stretch the floor with these guys, something that the Lakers have struggled to defend all season, small line-up or not.
However, the Lakers' starting five was very productive against New Orleans. LeBron James finished with 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Brandon Ingram had 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Kyle Kuzma added 22 points while starting at center.
After playing limited minutes a few days ago in the Lakers' loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, Rajon Rondo was given 37 minutes against the Pels, and he was impressive, scoring 11 points to go along with 16 assists and seven boards.
Newly acquired Reggie Bullock finished with 14 points.
The Lakers also got solid minutes from JaVale McGee, eventhough he came off the bench. However, he might need to be back in the starting line-up once the team play hosts to the Bucks, as they will need someone who can guard the post to counter the length of Lopez and Antetokounmpo.