Lakers experiment with two-big lineup

The Los Angeles Lakers recently signed center Trey Jemison to a two-way contract, a move that reflects JJ Redick’s growing interest in experimenting with lineups featuring two big men on the court simultaneously.

This addition is seen as part of the Lakers’ efforts to explore different rotation strategies and enhance their flexibility.

Throughout the current season, Anthony Davis has been the Lakers’ primary starting center, a role he has held without frequently sharing the court with another big man.

Jaxson Hayes has served as Davis’ main backup at the center position, but the Lakers have been without Christian Wood, who has missed the entire season so far due to injury.

Christian Koloko, also part of the Lakers roster, has seen limited action off the bench, and Jarred Vanderbilt, another forward with potential, has yet to make his season debut as he continues to recover from leg and foot injuries.

The potential move to play another center alongside Davis would provide the Lakers with a different tactical approach.

However, such a strategy would likely force LeBron James to shift to a small forward role, as his natural position would be impacted by the presence of another center in the starting lineup.

At this stage of his career, James is considered one of the most effective defenders when matched up against opposing big men, allowing him to use his size and basketball IQ to impact the game in the paint.

Redick’s idea behind deploying two bigs together might be to relieve some of the burden on Davis during the minutes when LeBron James is not on the floor.

By having a second center, the Lakers could create a more formidable interior presence, which might help protect the rim, rebound more effectively, and give Davis more breathing room, especially when he is not paired with James.