Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Frank Vogel Explains Why DeAndre Jordan Would Start Over Dwight Howard If Lakers Go Big
FeaturedLakers News

Frank Vogel Explains Why DeAndre Jordan Would Start Over Dwight Howard If Lakers Go Big

Matt Peralta
Published: 10/15/2021
4 Min Read
(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
SHARE

When the Los Angeles Lakers added Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan this summer, it was clear they wanted to go back to their identity as a smashmouth team on both ends.

They will round out a big man rotation along with Anthony Davis, with the trio able to provide rim protection and vertical spacing. So far throughout the preseason, Jordan has manned the starting center spot next to Davis in games the Lakers have gone big, with Howard reprising his role as the first big off the bench.

While Howard may be the better player at this stage of their career, Frank Vogel explained why it would be Jordan that starts if he decided to go with a big lineup with Davis at power forward.

“We have had conversations about it potentially being Dwight, but we feel like at the end of the day one of the strengths of our team two years ago when Dwight was here was how much he punished backup centers and backup lineups,” Vogel said. “There’s a lot of small-ball with second units now and we really just moved the needle with how effective he was with second units and something we like with this year’s team, and DeAndre filling with the first unit.

“So we’ve had those types of conversations. This is where we are tonight. We’re not married to it, obviously, in the preseason with a new team. And in terms of DeAndre, he’s just, what is he? The No. 1 in the history of NBA basketball in dunks. Right? So he’s got a great knack for lob catching and finding his way to the base and finishing, and giving us that vertical spacing. He’s a vet that understands pick-and-roll coverages and just excels in that role of being a shot-blocking, rolling, offensive rebounding big.”

It makes sense for Vogel to want to keep things as similar as possible given all the roster turnover the past couple of seasons, and it is the right choice as Howard has looked dominant against opposing bench bigs. Jordan does not have the same pop off the floor he used to have, but he has been able to still catch lobs and quarterback the defense, so he is fine as the starter for now.

Of course, the starting center for the Lakers does not matter too much as people like Jordan have already admitted that it will likely come down to matchups.

Carmelo Anthony believes team will figure things out quickly

Anytime a team has several new pieces, it takes time for them to fully coalesce and play together as a unit. However, Carmelo Anthony is optimistic that Los Angeles will be able to figure things out quicker than most people expect.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Dwight HowardFrank VogelLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatt Peralta
Matt was born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. and is a lifelong Lakers fan. Because of his love for basketball and the Lakers, Matt successfully pursued a degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach (#GoBeach) and is now a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com. He is also a Staff Writer for RamsNewsWire.com and RaidersNewsWire.com. Contact: mattp@mediumlargela.com Twitter: @_MatthewPeralta Instagram: @matthewperalta
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?