Versatility is the name of the game for the revamped Los Angeles Lakers as head coach Luke Walton will be featuring a new starting lineup in Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. With Lonzo Ball still recovering from knee surgery and veteran Rajon Rondo getting the night off to rest, 6-foot-10 Brandon Ingram will get the nod at the starting point guard spot.

Kyle Kuzma will also be inserted into the starting five.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
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After the Lakers successfully lured LeBron James to Hollywood, the team surrounded the four-time NBA MVP with dynamic veterans such as Rondo, Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley. The acquisitions came as a surprise to many as James' former teams would always prioritize shooting specialists, forcing James to take the bulk of creating offensive plays.

But the Lakers' front office opted to take a different route as adding more playmakers will help preserve the 33-year-old's energy, a significant factor for the team's playoff push.

Ingram is not new to taking on playmaking duties for the Lakers. When Ball missed a huge chunk of his rookie season, Ingram often had the ball in his hands, making plays for himself or for his teammates. He almost doubled his assists per game last year and even racked up 10 assists in a game against the Brooklyn Nets.

But then again, LeBron will still be the focal point of the Lakers' offense. When the going gets tough, expect the ball to be in hands of The King.