The Lakers will finally take the floor tonight for the first time since being swept by the Dallas Mavericks last May. The Lakers will be hosting their hallway rivals the Clippers tonight at Staples Center.
However, it seems that even after a long layoff since the last time the team played not all Lakers might be suiting up for the game. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles head coach Mike Brown is contemplating sitting starting point guard Derek Fisher to allow him to rest.
“I may sit Derek out (Monday) to continue let him get in shape, or playing shape, for us.”
This may come as a bit of a surprise considering Fisher, as well as the rest of the team, has had all summer and fall to be prepared for the game. Even with his duties as president of the NBPA Fisher should still be ready to go.
Regardless, Fisher is still a 37-year-old point guard that may be expected to carry most of the load this season. With Steve Blake, who at 31 is no youngster himself, as his back-up, Fisher will need to be ready to go once the regular season begins.
The rest of the Lakers starting lineup should look relatively familiar. If Fisher does indeed sit Blake will get the nod, and he should be accompanied by Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Matt Barnes. Andrew Bynum will also start despite his upcoming five game suspension.
The only new name in the Lakers lineup Monday night will still have a familiar face as Metta World Peace makes his “debut” on the Lakers scorecard.