After the Los Angeles Lakers began the season going 5-15, head coach Byron Scott took Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer out of the starting lineup and inserted Ronnie Price and Ed Davis instead.
One of the main reasons for the change Scott mentioned was for an improved defensive effort from the first unit. Since making the adjustment, the Lakers have been marginally better in terms of wins, picking up seven in 20 games.
With the season halfway done, it appears Scott is contemplating making another switch, according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
Byron said he is considering changing lineup for reasons beyond injuries. Said he would reevaluate after 15-20 games after first switch
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 17, 2015
There already has been some change in the rotations with the addition of Tarik Black. The Lakers acquired the undrafted rookie off the waiver wire after the Houston Rockets released him to make room for Josh Smith.
Black made his Laker debut during the fourth quarter of the blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, but had a breakout performance the following game. In just 17 minutes of action, Black nearly collected a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds.
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As a result of his play, Scott has awarded Black with minutes and an expanded role. Black now backups Jordan Hill with Scott willing to give his starting center additional rest and give the rookie more playing time.
In addition, Scott continues to figure out how to manage the lineup in games where Kobe Bryant rests.
[divide]Lakers Kobe Bryant Discusses Future Possibility Of Being Shutdown