Robert Sacre will start for the Lakers tonight. Jordan Hill will come off the bench.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 7, 2013
D’Antoni believes that the Lakers have been wearing Hill out by playing him extended minutes with the starting unit. In placing Sacre in the lineup, D’Antoni hopes to rejuvenate Hill’s activity on the glass, while being able make use of Sacre’s defensive presence.
We’ve seen Sacre get some minutes in short stints over the last few games, and got some extended playing time in the Lakers loss to the Portland Trailblazers this past Sunday. In those minutes he was able to post a line of 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks.
While this may seem like a very odd move from D’Antoni, it’s tough to question his decisions, as he’s done a very good job coaching this season given the health issues that this team has dealt with.
If anything, we do know that Sacre’s energy and defense can be useful in the starting lineup. Let’s see what happens tonight.
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